Hey guys, here's chapter for the week. Sorry it's late, I had an English project to finish. As for the series I had thought of for this story, if I end up doing it. It will be a timeline of fics. Different places where Dean and Cas find each other in each one. I have the second one already started, and I have to plot out a few other ones. But I think I may end up doing it. If not, this will simply be a standalone fic.
Please review what you think. Thank you all again for reading 3
*Disclaimer* I own nothing but the story line. Castiel's lips pulled back into a knowing smirk and he wrapped his cuffed hands around the iron bars. "I can take you to them."
"Who?" Dean asked, raising an eyebrow.
The man rolled his eyes "The Garrison you idiot!"
Dean bristled but he didn't retort. He sat up, standing, and moving over to Castiel. He stood right in front of the man, hands behind his back. Dean fingers flexed, ready to grab a weapon if he needed to. Castiel straightened behind the bars, gazing back at Dean with confidence in those steeled ocean blue eyes.
"Why would ya do that?"
"Didn't we just have this conversation?"
The sheriff groaned and glared at his prisoner "Are you going to be helpful or not?"
Castiel stretched his arms out in front of him, leaning backwards and gripping the bars he hung back lazily. "I'll be helpful when you stop asking stupid questions."
Still glaring Dean bit his lip and waited for Castiel to explain this master plan.
The outlaw stepped back and sat back down on the cot "We have a camp out in the mountains. I can take you to the camp, when we travel we'll have to stay in the shadows. That way it'll be harder for Michael to see us coming up the mountain." He ran tanned fingers through his dark hair "We'll do it my way; I'm the one who knows the way through the mountains. If you don't want to get lost you won't argue."
Dean nodded in understanding and wrapped his fingers around the bars "And when we take the band in, what happens to you?"
"I'll turn myself in with them." Castiel replied "I can't see you letting me go."
"Glad we agree on something."
"So we have a deal then?" Castiel asked, standing again and extending his cuffed hand toward the man.
Dean hesitated and finally gave his hand to Castiel through the bars. "We have a deal."
The outlaw grasped Dean's outstretched hand awkward around the cuffs. As he did a shock went through Dean as their hands connected. He felt a warm spark, or that was the best he could think of, unsure of how else to describe it. Castiel's eyes seemed to alight, like he felt the same thing. Dean found himself unable to release the man's hand. He could only stare at Castiel with wide eyed wonder.
Castiel let go first and stepped back. As soon as he released Dean's hand the feeling disappeared, as if it had never been there. Dean brushed it off as a freak thing from the metal and static and what not. Maybe a thunderstorm was on its way that could have caused the friction.
The outlaw grinned widely at Dean "I'm glad we have an agreement. I think we're going to work well together Sheriff."
Dean didn't respond. Somehow he'd have to explain to people why they couldn't have their justice quite yet. They wouldn't be happy about that, in fact they might run them out of town. Or worse, kill them both. Somehow he was going to have to protect them. Protect a criminal. How low he'd sunk! His father would never have made a deal with Castiel. Neither would Sam for that matter. So why had he?
He looked up into the man's face, scrutinizing every aspect of it. Castiel didn't flinch under his stare. Just gazed back with what Dean thought was interest, understanding maybe. Of what though, Dean couldn't say.
With a hesitant nod, he turned on his heel and stalked out of the station. Outside the town had started to slink back into their homes. Their movements sluggish, most of them drunk off their asses. Dean sighed at the stony faces, all of them with a vacant uncertain glint to their eyes. This was a town in deep mourning. An angry mob brewing beneath the sadness. If he didn't get Castiel out of here, there wouldn't be anyone to act as guide and take him to the Garrison. He'd have to plead the man's case fast. Get the judge to understand the situation. It wouldn't be easy, but hopefully he'd be able to persuade him. He was known for being a reasonable man. Plus the fact that he was Dean's grandfather helped a whole lot.
He may be more likely to listen. Besides, he'd always looked at the bigger picture. Unlike Dean's father. Hopefully Henry would be able to help calm his nerves. He was a fairly quiet man, looking more like Sam than Dean. He tended to stay out of the action and focused on keeping balance and order in Sioux Falls.
City Hall (Which doubled as the Court House) was near the end of town. A fairly long walk but it would give Dean the time to decide what to say. Whether Henry would agree to help him or not wouldn't change the fact that he wouldn't like it. Dean didn't blame him, he hated it too.
Dean knew he'd have to be persuasive. Henry was reasonable but he wasn't a pushover. He'd have to phrase this carefully. He needed to win this, the fate of his career rested on it. If he captured the Garrison it would be known nationwide. People from all over the country would flock to see him. At least, that could happen right?
Few people were walking in the streets as Dean came into the more law focused district. He passed the lawyer office and smiled sadly to himself. Sammy had wanted to be a lawyer at one point. Henry had greatly encouraged it, finally someone to take over the business at the Court House! John however had been vehemently against it. He'd said his boys would follow in his footsteps, no one else's.
To this day Dean had a feeling Sam still wanted to be a lawyer. Dean had once tried to encourage him to go to law school and follow his dreams, but it had been a weak attempt. Sam was a damn good deputy and Dean wasn't eager to replace him.
When Dean finally reached City Hall, the sun had almost set below the distant mountains. Dean had to squint to see the road ahead as the light faded. By the time he finished this meeting he bet the lamps would be lit.
The doors were open when he walked up the stone steps, lamps had already been lit inside the building. He walked down the familiar hallway, scanning the portraits of passed judges lining the walls. Dean hadn't known many of them. Most had died long before him. He'd only known the judge before his grandfather.
Nice guy, if a little stuck up.
Dean headed toward the judge's office and knocked on the strong wooden door. There was a silence on the other end, except for the muffled rustle of movement. The door kept most sound muted to people who'd try to eavesdrop. Dean knew it well, Benny and him had tried it often enough.
Benny had been Dean's best friend when they were little. He supposed they still were best friends even though it had been years since they'd seen each other. Benny had moved away a few years back. They still kept in contact, but not as often as they used to. Dean had been meaning to go out and visit him, life just kept getting in the way. Now with the Castiel issue, it would only be pushed back again. This mission better be worth it.
His mind was dragged back to the present as the creak of the door told him it was opening. From inside Dean watched Henry's aging face peek out from behind. Upon seeing Dean his eyes lit up and he opened the door wide. He gestured the sheriff inside, offering him a drink.
"Had a few already." Dean declined "Can't be too drunk tonight."
Henry eyed him curiously "No offence son, but since when? And now of all times? We just lost a friend!"
"I have a prisoner in custody." Dean reminded him while taking a seat. "And he's made me a proposition."
"We don't make deals with murderers." Henry stated; teeth clenched and glass tight in his hand. "Especially after what the man did to Chuck." He sat across from Dean and noted his expression "Oh... Damn it Dean!" Henry shook his head and took a deep breath "Tell me everything."
Dean smiled at him gratefully and launched into his explanation. "Castiel killed Chuck, that we all know, but apparently he was ordered to do it." He took a breath and broke the rule he'd set for himself "Chuck was in charge of the Garrison before Michael. He abandoned them so they took care of him. Now, the man wants to take me to the rest of his gang because he knows he's already dead."
Henry listened with a neutral expression. His hand clasped around his drink was the only sign that he didn't want to make this decision. Dean didn't blame him; it was a choice they had to consider carefully.
When he finished explaining the two were silent for a long time. Simply staring at each other, unsure of how to respond. He could see the man had questions, hell Dean had questions! He supposed the judge would have to ask Castiel himself for some answers.
"And you agreed to this deal?" Henry asked after a few moments.
The sheriff winced and hesitantly nodded "I did."
"Without talking to me first?"
"Yes sir."
"Can I ask why?"
Dean took a deep breath before replying. "I see no reason for him to lie. He plans on still being punished for his crime and we'll be rid of the most hated, not to mention, dangerous gang around." Plus there is something about him that I can't shake and I want to know him better... Dean added silently.
Henry sat back in his seat "You've obviously put some thought into this." He sighed and ran his hands down his face "What do I tell the public Dean?"
"Tell them we're gathering up everyone responsible. That they'll have a greater justice than Castiel could ever give them." Dean replied immediately "That'll make them happy."
Henry smirked; he knew how bloodthirsty this town could be. It was no surprise that they'd want the whole Garrison.
"You'll have to leave tonight or early tomorrow morning. At least that way they won't have a choice in the matter." Henry said "You'll leave Sam in charge and take the murderer to wherever this camp is. You've got a month to get there and arrest them."
Dean nodded slowly "With all due respect sir. I can't control a whole gang of outlaws alone."
Henry eyed him "Then what do we pay you for?" Heaving a sigh he continued "Use Castiel as a deputy if you have to. Just get them down here. Alive."
"Yes sir." Dean said, standing up "We'll be gone by morning."
The judge nodded sternly and walked Dean to the door. Like Dean had thought, the lamps were lit, adding small glowing orbs to the overbearing darkness. He shook the man's hand and began to walk down the steps.
"Oh and Dean," The judge called "Be sure it isn't a trap."
The sheriff gave him a nod and headed off toward the station once again. He found his way slowly along the dimly lit streets. The few lamps tossing light a few feet in front of them. He squinted at the immobile shadow shapes a few feet ahead. He knew they weren't people, no matter how many tricks his eyes were playing on him. Everyone would be safe in bed by this point. Sitting fearful in their rooms. Whether from fear of more attacks or the night itself Dean couldn't know.
All he knew is he'd rather be at home with a glass of whiskey. Not planning an escape at eight o'clock with a murderer. He'd have to pack quickly, inform his brother who was probably just a tired as he was. Sleep wouldn't come easily to him in the next month.
Whispers followed him in the disguise of wind as he walked. It whistled past his ear, seeming to mock him and his mission. Maybe warning him, Dean couldn't tell. More than likely though, it was both. His father had always told him that nature was your only friend. It would never lie, as long as you knew how to read it properly. That advice had saved Dean more times than he could count.
His feet padded on the hard dirt, making more noise than he'd prefer. No one peeked out the windows as he walked but he was sure they could all hear him. They'd all keep an ear out tonight for strange occurrences.
The bright oil lamps of the station came into view and Dean smiled in relief. He marched up the steps, glancing over his shoulder before opening the door. Inside the lit lamps warmed the drafty station. With the sun gone the building didn't stay hot for long. Sam sat at the desk facing the door and Castiel. He was squinting at a heavy leather bound book when Dean entered.
His brother looked up with a welcoming smile when he saw Dean. He sat up, closing the book and hid it away. Dean didn't question, he had more pressing matters on his mind.
He made sure all the blinds were closed before pulling a few sacks off a shelf and filling them with the necessary items. He was sure they'd need more but the basics would have to do.
Sam came up beside Dean, whispering urgently in his ear "Dean what the hell are you doing?"
"You're in charge until I get back." Dean stated "Go get Impala and any other horse we can spare ready to ride."
"Why?" Sam demanded, forcing Dean to look at him.
Dean sighed and placed the sacks on the desk. "I don't have time to explain all the details. I'm going to get the Garrison and he's helping me," He pointed at Castiel "Now please, just do as your told. For once."
His deputy eyed him wearily but nodded and rushed out to get the horses ready.
Satisfied, Dean turned back to the task at hand. Castiel stayed gratefully quiet as he worked. When Dean finally turned to him the man was grinning.
Dean stepped up to him "I'm not going to cuff you while we ride. You will only speak when I ask you a question and if you betray me, I will kill you."
"I like a strong man." Castiel replied.
Clenching his teeth Dean growled "Understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Then let's go."
Castiel grinned widely "This is going to be so much fun."
