Chapter 4

Dean wasn't sure what to think as he drove to the psychic Bobby called. Sam had asked him about hell and if he remembered it. That was one thing he couldn't answer and he covered it with a lie. Of course the mutt knew he was lying but was being smart enough not to say. Other things were on his mind to about what Sam had been doing and then some. He quizzed Sam about what happened after he bought it and the answer surprised and perplexed him.

Dean had always been worried about Sam when the weirdo ass crap with the demon blood came up. It wasn't that he thought that Sam was a monster or anything. However the fact that he came unscathed from Lilith's attempt… that was bothersome. What was even more bothersome was the fact that Angela hadn't been hurt and in fact managed to do her freaky ass mojo and it worked.

Sam mentioned that her voice had changed in its timbre and it worried Dean. He had become pissed at the details Sam supplied about the hell's gate and what she attempted before she disappeared. Her way was the closest they got to bringing him back and she had been willing to jump in and grab him. He wondered why Sam's attempt at the Devil's Gate didn't work and he was sure as hell glad that Sam didn't go stupid and do a deal.

No demon wanted to deal. That wasn't a first since they didn't want his soul either and if Angela tried, they were bloody scared. Scared of what? Dean never could figure that out except he had the barest idea that his girl had something the other side wanted but if she was doomed or dead, then there was a problem.

Looking over at Sam, Dean decided to ask, "So, when did you decide to continue trying to bust me out and go after Lilith for revenge? Did you just give up on Angie?"

Sam looked over at his brother. It was complicated. Dean had been rotting in hell and he couldn't do anything about it. Angela was gone, missing, and he had no means of locating her and he couldn't do anything about it. So he was left with a few options and he went with them. He didn't know if his brother would understand his dilemma. He replied, "I didn't give up on her Dean. I couldn't find her. Whoever took her… they were good. Bobby's locator couldn't even find her. I knew that she would want me to focus on being productive so I went to work on trying to spring you and then Lilith."

"Alright and did you do anything when she sprung the joint?" Dean looked pointedly at Sam as he asked the question.

"How do you even know that she did?" It was an automatic answer. Sam was still in the mode of carrying out his promise of looking after her and if that meant denying she was in the game tentatively, then that was it.

"Bobby mentioned coming out one day and finding her baby and his car given a spit and shine the way she does it."

"Wishful thinking. Think about it Dean, if she were there, Cerebus would have sensed her," Sam replied keeping it up.

"Right and she wouldn't leave this where you guys planted me," Dean replied as he pulled out her knife. The edge had been lined with blood as if it had been used to cut someone recently. It was her specialty knife and she just wouldn't leave that behind.

"She probably put that there when…"

"Sam," Dean interrupted, "You don't need to protect her from me. What happened?"

"She escaped."

"I get that Sam but from what? From who?"

Sam recognized that attitude. It was the same attitude that Dean used to get when he had been bullied when they were kids. Dean made him spill and somehow the douches learned the lesson that if you messed with Sam, you messed with Dean. It was pointless to deny it any longer. It occurred to Sam that Dean would understand if he explained a few things. He sighed and replied, "She wouldn't say where and I don't think she knew."

"Makes sense if she woke up at the joint."

"Well whatever the place was, it must have been a fortress because she tried to escape before and each time failed. I… saw the product of what she said was number three."

"Three?"

"Out of I don't know how many times. Dean I think whoever, this guy she called the Old Man, was doing something to her. She escaped with another and when he came in and said that he spotted the Old Man, she got anxious… scared even."

"More likely scared for you. You know she does what she can to keep the fuglies off us," Dean replied. That was a safe comment since it was the truth.

Sam thought about it. When he saw Angela again after two months, he couldn't believe it at first. He tried and then gave up and then she was standing there in front of him… Everything from the incident that led her going missing, he wasn't angry. He understood why she did it. He didn't even see her disappearance as her ditching them.

Sam sighed and felt a certain relief that Dean was getting the details but it didn't relieve the worry he had. She hadn't called or even come by lately and he wondered if the Old Man caught up with her. He replied, "That was why I told her to go." At the look Dean shot him, Sam added, "Don't look at me like that. I kept in touch and she came by. She was fine those times."

"But you just let her go of on her own with a strange guy she picked up?" Dean was well aware he was sounding like Sam on his best day before all this but this was Angela.

"Dean, she's been on her own before. She knows what she's doing," Sam asserted even though he wasn't sure himself. He had to have confidence in her though. She seemed to have the same for him.

"I know that Sam but even you should have at least grilled the guy. Think about it. If she's tried to escape numerous times and then she teams up with this guy and then she gets out? That's not just the product of luck."

"Maybe it is Dean. She's not stupid about people. We've been with her on the job long enough to know when she's working an asset."

Yeah and you get pissed every time it ends up being a guy. Dean didn't voice his thoughts though. So Sam hadn't figured out that part yet. That didn't help the current situation in that Angela was out there somewhere. "Did you at least call her to tell her about me? I tried her number but it was disconnected."

"No and she has a new number. The Old Man took everything from her when he took her."

Dean felt himself getting pretty annoyed with the mentioning of this Old Man. As far as he was concerned this douche was going to get a nice talking to if he ever found out who he was. That would be a special project for him to work on and Sam was in if he wanted. "Yeah well just for that this douche gets an extra special ass kicking from me."

Sam couldn't help but chuckle at that. It was so like Dean. It was nothing less than what he wanted to do to the guy. "You got that right."

"So you gonna ring her or what?"

"Dean the last thing she was looking out for was a hot spot. She was on a lead for one."

"So?"

It was pointless to spell it out since Sam was sure that Dean knew what he meant by the hot spot. It didn't matter to his brother in the least. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed her number. He shot a look at Dean to indicate that he was dialing.

This is Angela. Leave a message.

Sam pulled the phone away, "Voicemail."

"She turned it off?"

"Maybe," Sam replied shrugging his shoulders. That was always the possibility especially since there was the issue of the douche that was following her. "You want to try?"

"Try again later. You're the one that always says she takes a lie in when she wants." Dean turned his attention to the road. He thought it was unusual that she turned it off but if Sam was right in that the douche bag was following her, it was her just being cautious. Dean couldn't blame her for that since he was certain it was more for concern for Sam and Bobby's safety. She wasn't stupid neither were they since it seemed that the best way to get them all was to make him and Sam suffer and then she comes out.

Dean had to ask though, "Was she okay the last time?"

Sam thought about it. She had been enthusiastic about finding a natural hot spot. It was a small one but just enough to open a gate. He did recall that he could have been a bit more excited. The truth was he didn't want her playing around with that; opening a gate and going in. He had the bad feeling that it wasn't a good thing but he didn't say anything and he had his own thing in chasing after Lilith. "She was fine. She found a lead and I said to go for it."

"And you didn't go with?"

"Dean, she was being chased remember? Besides her companion was there…" Sam shrugged his shoulders.

"You should've gone Sam."

"And we'd argue about that all the way there. You want the honest truth? I wished I said that I would go."

That's a start. Yet Dean couldn't help but feel that something was up about the whole thing. He believed Sam was telling him the truth but it was like something was being held back. It was a niggling suspicion but he was going to take a leaf out of his girl's book and not accuse without proof. He put his foot on the gas to accelerate.

"So these are the boys?"

Dean was surprised to see that the psychic Bobby had brought them to was a good looking chick. She was like the type he would attempt to flirt with at a bar. Truth be told, he was expecting someone like Missouri Mosley. He remembered her.

Bobby introduced everybody, "Sam, Dean, Pamela Barnes. Best damn psychic in the state."

At that moment Cerebus bounded up and barked. He put two huge paws up at Pamela. She grinned in response, "Hiya boy. You being good for Bobby here?" She then looked at Bobby, "Still a clingy fellow."

"Yeah."

Pamela gave a knowing smile as she pulled out a biscuit from her pocket and fed it to Cerebus. She patted him and said, "Go on in boy. You know where the food dish is."

Cerebus gave a slight bark and bounded on in. Dean was eyeing the situation in surprise. So it seemed that Cerebus made friends with Bobby's friend and mooched off of her. His eyes though wandered towards her. He liked the fact that she was looking at him the way he was thinking about her. "Hey."

"Hi," Sam said at the same time giving a polite smile.

In typical fashion, Pamela eyed them speculatively. They looked delicious and it was no wonder someone had a thing for the tall and grumpy one. She looked at Bobby who gave her a warning look. She loved teasing the grizzled hunter. She chuckled and looked at Dean. "Dean Winchester. Out of the fire and back in the frying pan, huh? Makes you a rare individual. "

"If you say so," Dean replied.

Pamela studied the hunter. Definitely this was going to spark a reaction once they got inside. "Come on in."

Bobby went in first followed by Dean. He didn't pay too much attention to the conversation between Pam and Bobby. What had his attention was the song that was being sung. There was no music but the voice was familiar in that undulating tone he heard in Ellis. It wasn't the same. Rather it sounded meditative but that voice.

Being a bit forward, Dean went into the house and followed it to what appeared to be a living room. He was surprised at the sight but there was no doubt as to who it was. Doing a handstand with their back facing him was Angela.

Dean was about to say something but he was distracted by the tattoo that he saw on the small of her back near the base of her spine. He watched her muscles spasm as they adjusted their balance as she adjusted to be on one hand. She was singing while she was doing it. Dean glanced over to see his brother and Bobby staring at her though Sam was looking like a drooling lecher.

"Pam, do I need to put on the coffee?"

Pam chuckled as she came forward, "Maybe two pots, Angie. Considering the company."

Angela then put her other hand down and folded her body so that she ended upright and facing the guests. Sam and Bobby she barely acknowledged since her full attention was focused on the third person. She pulled down her shirt as she walked forward to look at him in the eye. She could feel her lips quiver as she studied him.

It was rather sudden that Dean found himself in a bear hug but it wasn't the kind that guys gave. He was being felt all over his head and brought into a tight squeeze. He then heard her sigh in relief and her whispering, "It's you."

When he was released from the embrace he returned her smile with one of his own and replied, "I finally got ya to go all girly on me didn't I?"

Angela gave a slight chuckle while smiling. It hid the tears of joy that threatened. She couldn't help it and pulled Dean into another hug and replied, "Ah still my little bull dog."

Dean waited for the moment of truth from Angela in terms of her attacking him to make sure it was him. When she didn't and instead picked up one of his hands and studied the abrasions. He raised a brow. It was still plastered on his face when she passed her free hand over the one she was holding and a soft glow emanated from it. When it was gone, the abrasions were nonexistent. He said, "Well that was a better greeting than Sam or Bobby."

Angela replied with a slight grin, "That's because I know things." She then motioned towards her nose.

Dean couldn't help but laugh at that. He teased her, "I should just marry you."

"And suffer my wrath?" Angela replied teasing him back. She sighed, "It is good to see you." She looked at Pam, "So this was the party you said was coming?"

"Yep," Pam replied with a smirk.

Angela threw a look at Pam before looking at her boys and Bobby. They were back together now. The moment was only spoiled when Cerebus came in with a bark. It was enough to cause laughter all around as the mutt nuzzled her leg. "I guess I better get that coffee," she smiled and turned to head to the kitchen.

Dean was still smiling as Angela went into the kitchen. He knew she was a little uncomfortable with her emotions but the hug was more than enough for him. Plus the fact that she didn't even try the usual on him… that was a relief. He saw that Angela's shirt was a little short and it revealed her tattoo on the base of her spine. He couldn't help it, "Did you get that for my benefit? Cause I totally think that it increases your sex appeal."

"Not interested."

Dean laughed at that. "Still got it." He loved teasing Angela about her looks because she was a beauty and it was harmless because they both knew it wasn't going anywhere anyway.

Sam gave a slight frown. It changed when Angela stuck her head out of the kitchen and added, "Maybe you improved on a decent pick up line but why don't you go back to what you came to bug Pam for and maybe you'll get a treat."

Bobby made a slight face, trying not to laugh. He turned to Pam, "So have ya heard anything?"

Pam liked that conversation between Angela and Dean. So her dhampir friend had bite after all and she loved dishing it to Dean. She could see it was a harmless platonic relationship and she watched Sam's expression too and that was interesting. It was a good thing to not tell her who was coming over. She certainly watched the three men ogle their friend when she was doing her handstand as part of a strength training routine. She figured that girl could teach her a few things; the whole flirting without trying.

She sighed and went to business, "Well, I Ouija'd my way through a dozen spirits." She cast a pointed look in Angela's direct as she was pouring coffee. "With a little help from your dhampir friend, we got a response but… No one seems to know who broke your boy out or why."

Angela heard everything as she dished up coffee. I have an idea who. As to the why, I don't. She looked at Cerebus who was giving her a look. She rubbed his head, "I missed you too boy."

Picking up the tray she started out unaware that she had spilt some water and as she stepped on it she slipped. The tray flew up as she struggled to maintain her balance. She caught it and in reflex reaction she reached out to suspend the cups from crashing along with the coffee. She got them all and held them steady. With concentration she motioned with her hand and directed them to settle on the tray and on the coffee table. When they were settled, she straightened up and looked at the four people looking at her. "Reflex reaction."

Bobby looked at her funny. The past couple of months only Sam had seen her and to see that was a little discerning and it made him wonder what else his girl had been doing. He took attention away from it and looked at Pam and asked, "So, what's next?"

Pam was impressed at Angela's reflex reaction. If the nightmare from the night before was just a taste then she was in the room with someone who had serious mojo abilities. She rather liked it and would have liked to have seen more but she was under the impression that her guest didn't like performing on command. However that didn't extend to things like reflex reaction. Plus the fact that the girl could talk to spirits with ease… man she was seriously thinking about offering a partnership.

Seeing that everything was settled, Pam replied, "A séance, I think. See if we can see who did the deed."

"You're not gonna summon the damn thing here?" Bobby quizzed Pam with a suspicious look.

Pam grinned. Sometimes people just didn't know the whole spiel about séances. She replied, "No. I just wanna get a sneak peek at it. Like a crystal ball without the crystal." She walked over to the room where she did her readings saying, "Hey dhampir give me a hand."

"No problem psychic," Angela replied with a slight smirk as she followed Pam into the room. Once they were in the room she asked in a whisper, "Are you sure about this?"

Pam looked at Angela and noticed the worried expression and replied, "Hey your boy wants to know what popped him out of the box and why. This is the best way to do it."

"But what if it is something that may not be a good idea to get a good peek to find out?" Angela gave a slight shrug at this. She had an idea who dragged Dean out.

"Now that sounds like you know something," Pam replied. She looked at Angela. "Do you know how?"

"I think it was the person who went in my place to hell. I don't know how she did it but I think there was something else involved," Angela replied in a sheepish and guilty whisper. "I didn't ask her but I can't help but wonder if she did something like make a deal or something. It took something more than sheer will to bust me out."

"Well honey you were imprisoned by someone topside…"

"I mean when I was busted out of the fire," Angela corrected.

Pam took a look and could tell that Angela wasn't lying. The girl was another one of those rare individuals. "You make a deal like Dean and…"

"Nope. I was there for a different reason and was led into a trap." Angela was forthright in her answer. She found that she could be brutally honest with Pam. The psychic appreciated her blunt delivery about a few things. "So I know that it takes extreme mojo to do that and considering the state of Dean's remains… I have no doubt it was something else." Angela looked at Pam, "So really, is it worth it?"

Pam could tell that Angela was nervous about the whole thing. She patted her shoulder and replied, "You worry about everyone and I like you for that. Makes a nice change from the whole vampires are evil thing. This though I think is the only way to know for sure and with your strength in touching the other side… we'll know who the bastard is and you can try your mojo out on them." Pam gave a smiled of reassurance and at the prospect of an adventure.

Angela gave a wry smile. Pam's devotion into adventure was addicting. It reminded her of a couple of her strays that were the same way. She had forgotten how the youth loved their adventure and excitement. "Okay Pam. We'll do this your way but if I sense something is wrong… will you trust me?"

"Hey, you trusted me with your secrets, I can trust you," Pam replied smiling.

They started pulling out supplies. Pam put the cloth on her table while Angela was looking at the candlesticks. There were certain scented ones that would work. She glanced at Bobby who was closing the curtains and made a slight face before turning to her work. As an afterthought, Angela took the sachet of herbs that the shaman had given her and put it on the table.

Dean and Sam watched with interest. Dean followed the pair of women as they dug in the cupboard. Dean could make out a tattoo on Pam's back in the same area as Angela and right now he was getting a good look at both and elbowed Sam. He grinned when he saw Sam ogling Angela and asked Pam, "Who's Jesse?"

Pam laughed, "Well it wasn't forever."

"His loss," Dean replied.

Pam knew he was flirting and she liked him. She walked up to him and replied, "Might be your gain." She grinned as she heard the brothers talking and noticed the slight embarrassment that overcame Angela's face. She decided to have fun, "You're invited too grumpy."

Angela knew Pam was flirting but she couldn't help but give that confused frown. The comment was meant in jest but it could be serious and it sparked a sensation that she wasn't sure of. In her mind it was ridiculous since she really had no claim to Sam but she had to admit that she felt a slight hint of jealousy. It was covered by the blush that blossomed over her cheeks because Dean was still ogling her newest acquisition. She just wished this was over with.

A/N: The reunion is here and Angie gets a taste of jealousy. That's a first. More to come on No Rest for the Weary...