Chapter 4

Katherine paced outside the doors of the HR office. Even though she had been summoned, she was determined to make the best of it. She did after all file her reports in on time. She looked at Cary and asked, "Do you think that they will have something to say about the dip in numbers this quarter?"

Cary shuffled uncertainly. He was supposed to escort her to the level and then he was going to take off. Once there though, Katherine asked him to stay. Well she started talking and was compelled to stay. It didn't matter that he had other things to do and he found that he couldn't be rude and just leave.

Leaning against the wall, Cary looked around. The HR summons room was a scary place to be especially if you were summoned for something you screwed up. His summons to this room though was more along the lines of the special reports that were off the books but were all done with official paperwork. You just had to know where to look. He replied absently, "You always turn in your reports on time Katie."

"I know I do but I'm talking about my numbers in my division. I'm still making quota but not as much as previously," Katherine replied with a slight worried expression on her face.

"Don't worry about the excess of quota. As long as you make the numbers, you're okay. It's when you start going below it is something to worry about," Cary replied as he looked around.

The boss' secretary was looking at him like he was scum underneath her shoes. Well she could stick it even if his pay grade was lower than the average sales rep. It may be the lowest in the history of any business but what he got out of it was worth more than a bonus at Christmas and all that hoopla. Part of it had to do with the fact that he ran into Absolution.

The first time that he met Absolution was when he was working a job. He was dealing in information regarding… he didn't remember what but he was dealing in important info on the other side. His contact was paying heavily for it. He was at the location and on time. The client was very adamant about that.

Timing was one of her quirks when it came to meetings. He thought she was just another thing out there that needed something for a job. He didn't care one way or another. It was another story when she trapped him and demanded everything from him. His fee for that was that he got to live another day. That was her currency. Life for info and that seemed to be agreeable and in the end he became her stoolie and he still supplied her info. He even kept what he knew about her. The boss knew things but not the whole picture; the kind of things that don't make it into the reports.

"I did away with the scented reports since the boss said he was running a business and not a pretty puppy parlor, whatever that means. You think that will work?"

Cary hadn't been paying too much attention to Katherine's babble but he caught enough to get the gist of the conversation. In his mind she should be worried about being sent to the pit and being put under the knife. He had seen a few of his pay grade and the usual sales reps that came here and didn't come back. He looked around and replied, "Getting rid of the kittens was the best thing. Cute stuff like that just annoys."

"I noticed that when the corrections came back," Katherine replied. She checked her bag. "Hmm, ten minutes late. Will that be bad?"

"We were here on time," Cary replied in an exasperated tone. They were trying to make her sweat and of course she was not taking it the way it was intended. Then again she never took anything the way she was supposed to. "It's all a matter of reviewing the files."

"HR will see you now Cary."

Cary turned a wry look towards the secretary. Why would they want to see him? He did what he was supposed to do. He brought Katherine the summons. He did what the boss asked him to do unless the boss intended for this. That would be typical of the boss.

"Oh it looks like HR wants to commend you too Cary," Katherine's voice piped up.

Cary ignored the glare from the secretary and the eye roll sent in the direction of Katherine. He hid the exasperated sigh that threatened and walked towards the door leading into the office. He didn't look at Katherine who was beaming at him like he won the pools or something like that. What did he do to land this detail?

Opening the door he slowly walked in feeling that familiar sense of dread. When he knew what the summons was he was a little more relaxed. That didn't mean that HR wouldn't spring a surprise on him. That was always a possibility and with the boss, that was definitely a possibility especially if upper management was saying something. He saw the boss at his desk and said, "You wanted to see me?"

Crowley looked at Cary as he entered. He loved HR summons. They made his day especially when the underlings squirmed for things they had no clue they did wrong and sometimes it was just to create entertainment. He certainly had fun with the sales reps. Cary's branch was a little harder since they knew they were valuable in this business.

Cary wasn't supposed to be summoned. He was just to deliver the summons to the little minx but he knew Cary well. Then again Crowley couldn't really talk since he had a thing for the one being that really could stick it to Lilith. His little sweetheart was really back and from what he heard, she really made a nice show with what she did to Jade. That he found out from a few of Jade's underlings.

Crowley knew Cary had a bit of a soft spot for Katherine. He saw her as he did: a source of entertainment. So what if she didn't quite get her assignments correct? The important thing was that she got souls for the pit. She did her job as far as he was concerned. It was just a matter of customer satisfaction, which didn't matter anyway since they were doomed in the usual ten years though he was impressed with one she got for two years.

Crowley looked at Cary and motioned him to stand in front of the desk. It was usually the same when they discussed the special projects that were written elsewhere on the reports that were filed in the archives. He said, "I sent you to present a summons. I assume that you've done it?"

It was rhetorical in nature but Cary knew that he couldn't mouth off to Crowley. He replied, "I delivered the summons."

"Then why are you here?"

Cary dreaded that question. It was pointless to lie but he didn't want to come off as a total wimp because he did have a soft spot for Katherine. Plus he didn't know if the conversation was to be recorded for posterity so he couldn't bullshit but he couldn't be honest either. He looked behind Crowley at the wall before looking at the boss and replied, "Puppy division is one step above mine and it's always fun to watch upper divisions get a talking to."

It was weak but perfectly acceptable for upper management. Crowley gave a nod of approval. "Well it's always a big thing for your division since you are lower than dogs."

"Yes sir," Cary replied, feeling that he was back in one gig where he was wearing a petty officer's meat on a ship in the middle of a freaking ocean. Then again one didn't mess with Crowley if he was in the mood. You were just asking for trouble with that one. He looked at Crowley but avoided the eyes hoping that it was acceptable.

"Then I guess it wouldn't be a problem for you to fill in on the subject of interest to someone interested in the summons," Crowley threw out. He looked at Cary with a look that almost dared him to say otherwise.

Cary made a slight shuffle of his feet. "What is it that you would like to know?"

"Don't play coy Cary. I know that you've worked with her before. Maybe not willingly but you know her," Crowley replied.

"Puppy division is smaller than mine. Everyone knows everyone." Cary gave a shrug as if it were no big deal.

"Oh I can agree and productivity in that division is surprisingly good but not as good as yours," Crowley replied. He loved messing with Cary because the worm had to juggle between the truth and the half-truths and the downright lies that were part of the game.

"Puppy division has its… own set of standards," Cary allowed. He looked at the boss not sure of where this was going. "Is there a reason why I'm being asked when I'm sure the viper in evaluations has a stronghold on all evals of all departments?"

"Oh cut to the chase Crowley and ask him straight out," Lilith replied as she stepped out of her hiding place in the shadows. She had watched the exchange and something clicked. She always figured that there was something going on between the little worm and her right hand man. Then again that was what made Crowley her right hand man. He had access to places that upper management wouldn't consider unless it was off the books.

Cary stiffened slightly. He had never gotten over the fact that Lilith had tortured him for information about Absolution. Well her pet bitch Tiamat did for a while as well as that asshat with the hoodie. Lilith was another story and she was not as nice as Tiamat. He kept his stance though and looked at her. "Lilith, it's a surprise that you came to visit HR."

Lilith looked at Cary and noticed that he was being very stiff. No doubt he remembered his little sessions with her and Tiamat. "No need to be so stiff with me Cary. You should be honored to be in my presence. Not many of your division get the chance."

"I'm sure they don't," Cary replied in a slight deadpanned manner. If Lilith was around, that meant she was up to something and judging by the boss' expression, he knew what it was. What it had to do with Katherine was something that was probably above his pay grade but considering that he was sharing company, he might as well make the most of it. "So what do I owe the pleasure?"

Lilith shot Cary a look that he was to watch it. Crowley may be his boss but she was with upper management. She could make Cary's life a living hell if she wanted to. She smiled and replied, "You know what has happened and the work that must be done Cary. I must say that you played your role well in regards to a certain player that I know our father would be pleased about."

"If you mean letting that vampire Faisal bind me to do his bidding for a time, I don't think that to be a compliment," Cary replied.

"Why not? You should be used to being someone else's bitch," Lilith shot back.

"And we're all hell's bitches." Cary raised his arms as if to challenge Lilith to do something right in the middle of HR. He turned his attention towards Crowley and said, "I gave the summons and escorted her here. What more is expected?"

Cary could have sounded petulant about the whole thing but he wasn't going to give Lilith the satisfaction of having one up on him. Crowley was impressed himself since he had seen Cary fold like a little princess. He looked at Cary and replied, "It should be obvious. You know better the employee we have summoned and have connections who hear things. The reports say she has been doing fairly good with the puppy division."

"And yet the actual results are dismal," Lilith threw out. "I asked for the location of a seal and I get a bloody circus animal."

Had it been anyone else, Cary would have burst out laughing. That was so like Katherine. Like Crowley he could say that she had gotten what was asked for since it was what it was. Of course any demon with common sense knew what Lilith meant in regards to the seals. It only affirmed in his mind that Katherine was not a typical demon and maybe something did happen when she was with the grand master of torture. Of course the dragon of personnel wouldn't say anything unless she had the writ of authorization and all that good stuff. She was a stickler for the paperwork since there have been complaints to HR to get her transferred at least once a month. He looked at the pair and raised his brow, "Are you asking me my opinion about personnel?"

"What did you think we were asking you about?" Lilith snapped at Cary, clearly aware that being coy wasn't going to cut it. Now she was certain that Cary was going to mess with her like Crowley was and probably for the sheer entertainment.

Cary still had a raised brow that turned into a frown as he replied, "Isn't that under personnel's purview? The dragon lady everyone is sure is upper management's long lost sister?"

"Exactly what I've been trying to tell you love," Crowley interjected. Cary didn't even have to try. He was totally clueless about this whole argument and was confused by it. At least it would help with a nice little set up. "Personnel has the case reviews of all our employees. If you want to find out more than what the quarterlies have to say… take it up with Danielle."

Lilith cringed inwardly at the thought. When Danielle had been assigned Personnel, she took over and ruled with an iron fist. She insisted everything be filed accordingly and on time. No exceptions were made in expediting orders or requests. It was all taken in the order it was received and was merciless with the delays if one part of the paperwork was missing. Lilith could admit though that the dragon was efficient especially when she prepared the personnel reports.

Looking at Crowley she said, "I really want to know what makes this thing tick. Businesswise it is all good since there are more souls for the pit but the actual results…? I'm half tempted to send her back to the grand master and put an end to this."

"If you do that, who is going to run the puppy division?" Crowley looked at Lilith as if daring her to come up with a solution.

"You made it up. There is no such thing…"

"The division was created when the CEO of crossroads recognized a potential in gaining souls through charm that the regular sales reps don't bother with. It fools the saps completely and they more likely make a deal," Crowley pointing out using the company jargon in order to make it sound all official regarding puppy division. "The CEO believes in utilizing talents to the fullest and puppy division has a certain talent."

"Don't use your corporate jargon on me Crowley," Lilith warned.

"I'm simply laying it out to you like it is," Crowley replied in a nonplussed way. He was used to handling Lilith and it didn't faze him in the least. "We run a business and Katherine has talents that could prove to come in handy. If anything else, the things she comes up with certainly are worth the mishaps for a chance in entertainment."

"I am not looking for entertainment. I am looking for a fairly good replacement for Jade," Lilith spat out.

"Oh yes, the bloodthirsty one of your cohort. Tis a shame really to find that she met her demise and during one of her operations as well," Crowley replied as he mocked his sorry at hearing the demise of Jade. "From what I hear the Centurions were involved."

"Don't bullshit around Crowley," Lilith countered, "You know as well as I and probably half of the company knows that Absolution was behind it. How she did it there are rumors circling about and the most likely it that she's drinking demon blood."

"That's not possible since she has an annoying health fetish and that precludes drinking tainted blood," Crowley replied. He was making it up but didn't know how right he was in that regards. "Besides if you want someone to find things, Katherine is a good choice and given her talent, no one would be all the wiser."

"Sure and if I ask for the Rose of Tralee, she'll bring me the actual song," Lilith shot in a fit od sarcasm.

Cary listened to the discussion. So this was more about a transfer. Katherine's quotas for souls got Lilith's attention but the physical results were the stopping point. That meant that Lilith might get it into her head to kill Katherine. In reality the demon may not be like the sales reps and the minions but she did get the job done… in a weird sort of way. He offered, "There are ways to make sure that she gets what you want."

"Really? And what do you know about it?" Lilith gave a sneer towards Cary. How was it that a worm knew how to work the worse demon that was in a division all by herself?

Cary looked at Crowley and replied, "It's simple. You make it simple." He saw the look that Lilith shot him and saw that she wasn't convinced. He explained, "I was on a job once that required me to lift a few items of interest. My usual ways weren't going to work so… I went to puppy division. Katherine played virtually the cute dumb blonde and managed to lift what I needed and then some."

"And how is it that it wasn't a screw up?"

"I showed her pictures of what I needed." Cary frowned a little as if it should have been the most obvious thing in the world. "She has a different mindset and if you make it simple and show her exactly what you need, no problem."

Lilith stared at Cary for a full three minutes before saying, "So you're telling me that the failed demon in the so called puppy division can be molded into a demon?"

"Like I said, you just have to show her what you want and she'll deliver. It may not be a perfectly executed op but it works out in the end." Cary gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. His story was a true one and that was probably the reason why Katherine said that he was the only one who got her. Certainly a few of her assignments, he clarified them for her and those went off without a hitch. So he hoped that this would soften Lilith's wrath.

Crowley looked smugly at Lilith. He knew that she hated recruiting from his ranks but most of the minions in general were more about brute strength and enforcement. Some were good at the manipulation but the crossroad deals sector had the best. It was probably the most funny in that puppy division was doing so well but he was going to take what he could get in this. "So, are there any further complaints?"

Lilith mused silently for a moment. She then nodded, "Fine bring her in. I want to ask her a few questions."

Crowley gave a nod to Cary who went to call in Katherine. She looked at him a bit worried that she was late. He gave a slight smile and motioned her in. He prayed (tongue in cheek of course) that anything that came out of Katherine's mouth wouldn't be something that would cause Lilith to decide that she was better off being puppy chow.

Ignoring the scowl that the secretary was giving him, the old bat, Cary motioned at Katherine saying, "Katie."

Cary felt like he was leading a lamb to a slaughter. Normally he would take pleasure in doing such a thing. He even imagined it being Crowley's old bat of a secretary yet he couldn't and wouldn't wish a personal execution on Katherine. Sure he joked about her being a failed demon but he was quick to point out that she was good at what she did and she was certainly a better filer of her reports. The old dragon in Archives, Danielle's twin sister Donna certainly sent a happy memo on occasion to Katherine. What do I do to get myself into these situations?

It was a question to be unanswered as he led Katherine to stand in front of Crowley's desk. Lilith was on the chair beside it and looking at the 'failed demon' and probably thinking of ways to make the poor girl cry. That would be a first since no demon ever cried… at least anyone within earshot. He said, "Here is um… Katherine."

Katherine plunged right in, "Hello Mr. Crowley, I have the reports from the last three cases worked on." She fished them out of her briefcase and handed them over. "All deals were closed and customers were made aware that there was a no refund policy."

Crowley gave a slight side look at Lilith as he accepted the reports. He did a brief skim. Three more saps nailed into their coffins and they were five year plans. That was impressive. Most plans were the ten year variety. Then again you can never underestimate the power of a true little girl demeanor. "Nice work. I see the puppy division still has the highest quota."

"I'm so pleased, sir," Katherine beamed. She didn't notice Lilith until she happened to glance in her direction. "Oh, Miss Lilith. It's a pleasure to see you hear down at Crossroads. I trust being in upper management is going well?"

Lilith looked embarrassed at being called out. She really didn't like the go-happy attitude from this demon. Even she was starting to wonder what happened in that corner of the pit to make her like this. She replied, "Everything is fine." She shot a look at Crowley.

Crowley was enjoying this and cleared his throat. "Katie, darling, there is a reason why you were summoned. You see someone has been paying attention to the quarterlies and they are impressed with your work."

"I aim to please, sir," Katherine replied beaming.

Cary felt like this was going to go bad really fast. He kept a straight face as he cued his phone to vibrate if something happened. There was no need to have unwanted noise bring more attention than necessary.

"I do apologize for the last case. I know I was supposed to go after a dhampir with water abilities in Missouri but I think surveillance made a mistake," Katherine was saying.

Oh boy here we go, Cary thought to himself. If he knew about it that meant Crowley did since he did have a few 'interns' in surveillance.

"How do you figure?" Crowley was being attentive even though he knew what the demon was going to say.

"Well the dhampir had a powerful punch and was tall in size and oh, a pair of tawny eyes," Katherine replied. "She did a rather aggressive way of defending the human that was with her."

Lilith realized that Katherine had tangled with Absolution and that meant with one of the Winchesters. It was probably the worst thing ever since that would probably have Absolution sniffing around. She was close to finding a seal and because this idiot messed up a vital order… She growled, "You idiot. You were supposed to be in Miami, not Missouri." She put a hand to her head. "Now you brought Absolution's attention on us."

"I'm sorry Miss Lilith but I was sure…"

"Surveillance said Miami and now that dhampir, a potential asset is lost and Absolution will be poking her nose for the seal," Lilith grumbled as she started pacing. "I really should have reconsidered before shunting you here."

"Come off it Lilith," Crowley began. "Katie here has done good work."

"Not enough Crowley. Now that Absolution has been activated by those angel bastards…"

"I can fix this if you want," Katherine piped up.

"Oh shut up."

Cary knew that he was going to risk getting his head bitten off but he couldn't let Katherine suffer. She had a sort of fragile ego. The idea he had might put him in the doghouse on both sides he was working but… "Excuse me but maybe this could work."

Lilith wasn't in the mood for the worm but he seemed to provide an answer, "No games Cary. What do you have in mind?"

Cary looked at Katherine and gave a slight nod. "Well, it occurs to me that Absolution needs something to distract her from finding out about the seal. So why not distract her using Katie?"

"How?"

"Go after the Winchesters."

A/N: Lilith meets Katherine and the WTF moments begin. Then Cary comes up with a 'brilliant' idea. Stay tuned for more on The Failed Demon...