Chapter Two

Sirens broke the quiet of the early morning.

Dean groaned upon hearing the loud sirens and Sam shook him as hard as he could. Dean groaned again and covered his head with the pillow. Sam continued to shake him, until finally he smacked Dean hard on the back.

"This is exactly why you and I can not share a bed. Ever." Dean mumbled through the pillow.

"Dean, there are sirens and police officers outside." Sam replied simply, "I think something happened. Something bad."

"What does it take to get some damn sleep around here!" Dean demanded, whimpering a little.

"You've had enough, now get up, lazy." Sam snapped, annoyed. Earlier in the morning, Dean had successfully kicked poor Sam off the bed. In fact, Sam had the bruise on his side to prove it. Sometimes, Sam couldn't believe Dean was his older brother.

Sam was already dressed and he watched as his brother sluggishly dressed, grunting every time he put his arms in the sleeves of his shirt and his legs in his pants. Sam opened the door and the sun hit Dean's face. He put his hand up and squinted his eyes.

"Ugh...bright light! Bright light!" he said quoting the movie 'Gremlins'.

"Dude, I think something happened to that old woman," Sam said in shock, peering outside.

"Lemme guess, she turned to dust upon seeing the sun rise," Dean muttered grumpily, finally having his eyes adjust to the light.

The cops saw the two walking over to them and the sheriff came over to meet them. The cops were wary of the two strangers. Everyone in Salem knew each other. And everyone in someway was related.

Dean had begun to open his mouth to say they were from the Federal Bureau when the sheriff answered for them,

"Mr...Winston. May we have a word with you?" he held up the motel sign-in book.

Sam instantly chimed in before Dean could get them into any trouble,

"What seems to have happened here, officer?"

"Mrs. Collins comitted suicide," the sheriff said sadly as he sighed, "great gal. Didn't think she would..."

"Suicide?" questioned Dean, curious.

"Yep. She was found hung in the back office. She used a wire," the sheriff answered, then continued, "You boys arrived about one in the morning. How did Mrs. Collins seem to you?"

"She was fine," replied Sam, shrugging, "she was a bit grumpy, but maybe it was just because she was tired."

"Hmph. Strange," nodded the sheriff, "There was no suicide note either, just...dust. And she always keeps her rooms clean. She was quite the neat freak."

Sam slapped Dean on the arm before he could utter an 'I told you so'. Sometimes, it was hard keeping Dean in line.

The sheriff continued, "I am sorry to have to tell you, boys, but we are going to have to close the place down. Mrs. Collins was the sole benefactor of this establishment and with her gone--!"

"They can stay at the boarding house," spoke a sharp voice from behind the sheriff, cutting him off.

The sheriff turned and moved out of the way. There stood a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties with waist-length, chestnut brown hair and matching eyes. She was wearing a black peasant's top with black leggings and black, calf-high boots. Around her neck was a sterling silver necklace showing the Celtic knot.

"Oh, that won't be necessary. Mrs. Collins told us there was a place two hours from here. We wouldn't want to impose..." trailed Dean, staring at the young lady.

Sam looked over at his brother in shock and confusion. Dean was apparently still asleep. Sam turned his attention back to the girl in front of them. Her arms were folded. She was a pretty girl and she was definitely Dean's type. Well, in physical terms anyway.

"The place that's two hours away is the boarding house," she replied curtly.

"Oh, is it now...?" replied Dean, his sly trademark grin a mile wide.

Sam sighed. Scratch asleep. Dean was definitely wide awake now.

"Yes...it is. I am the benefactor." the girl replied matter-of-factly.

The sheriff stepped in, "Excuse me...where are my manners? Jade Carrigan this is...uh..."

Dean put out his hand and spoke immediately, still grinning, "Winston--James Winston. And this is my brother--uh--Jack."

Sam rolled his eyes. Great, more false identities...nice going, Dean.

"Pleasure to meet you both." she nodded, "Is that your car?" she peered over Dean's shoulder.

"Yes, it is." Dean answered, nodding.

"Well you can follow me, then," she said dismissively.

Dean turned toward Sam and threw him the keys, "Jack...would you mind driving?"

"Oh, no, I wouldn't want to end up in a tree somewhere," Sam answered sarcastically.

Dean narrowed his eyes and mouthed, "You're gonna pay for that one, Sammy."

"It's Sam," he mouthed back.

Sam grinned and stifled a chuckle as he watched Dean walk off with the woman named Jade Carrigan. Dean was most definitely wide awake.