Chapter 4

"I know you said that you were coming but did you have to scare everyone in the bar?"

Angela chuckled as she took a sip of her beer. She glanced at the other patrons. They went about their business, with a few giving her pats on the shoulder. None seemed to mind that she basically kicked Walt and Roy's asses out and it was her bar though they had been used to seeing Ellen and Jo around the place. She looked at the barkeep and replied, "Well I was going to just walk in but then I heard their voices."

Melvin, Mel to his friends, shook his head in a knowing manner. He leaned on the counter and replied, "I know but sweetie, seriously the whole creeping through the shadows and then the vamping out… not good for business in a bar full of hunters. Especially considering that you had to bring the beast."

Angela shrugged her shoulders as she glanced at Xander who was behaving like nothing was wrong. She picked up her beer and took another sip. "Most of them know me personally and others know about me and I think I made it perfectly clear…" She let it drop since she turned to look at a group that had been watching her since she had thrown out Walt and Roy. She knew they were still unsure about her since she obviously made her vampire heritage known. "Besides there's always a few."

"You really believe that?"

"I know it." Angela gave a knowing look as she took another sip of her beer. "Mel, I know you called me and to be honest I should have called you after…"

"Hey," Mel put a hand on her forearm. He gave her a look of concern. "You needed time and I'm used to it."

"It's not fair to you Mel and it wasn't fair to Ellen or Jo." Angela studied the bar and rubbed her fingers on the counter. She remembered all the times that Ellen had scolded her about remembering what a phone was. "But… I thought that it was better that they have minimal contact with me. Call it a sense of protection."

Melvin nodded and replied, "Ellen said that's what you do. And it's what I've seen since the day I met you." He turned to check on the stock of alcohol and to serve a hunter another beer. "And if it hadn't been for Jo, I would have been dead by that thing she was hunting."

"And I didn't teach her enough and she's dead." Angela picked at a peanut shell and threw it on the bar. She turned around to lean against the bar and survey the setting. She pursed her lips as she remembered the few choice memories in the Roadhouse both old and new.

Melvin shook his head as he went to the back to get more beer and other supplies. After the excitement of the day it seemed that the hunters were willing to part with their money to drown away the adrenaline rush that came. He studied the hunter that actually didn't intimidate him at all. True she appeared scary especially when she vamped out but he took it easily. The last few weeks had been hard and he hadn't wanted to contact her but he really needed her to pay attention to the Roadhouse and to ask what she wanted done since she was now the single owner.

Angela knew that Melvin called her there because he needed her help. And she needed to decide the fate of the Roadhouse. She was now the sole owner and the reality had set in. She had ignored it since Ellen and Jo died because she didn't want to be reminded of the fact that she had outlived others she had come to care for and that was one of the reasons she was terrified about her budding relationship with Sam. She was afraid to lose him and it was wreaking havoc with her ability to do her job.

She looked at the hunters that were talking and passing on information. She thought about earlier times when she would drop in unexpectedly to see Ellen and Jo. The same kinds of people were there; hunters taking a load off and sharing information and stories. Not much had changed on that course. She looked all around the place and remembered fondly when Jo exclaimed that it looked just like the old place.

Do have that photographic memory or something Angie?

"Place looks like crap but she's sturdy."

Angela shifted to see a youngish man looking at her with a bemused expression. The hair looked like those hairstyles that had been popular in the 80s and 90s that gave the impression of a good boy that was also a jock. Looking at the physique, Angela could make that assessment. The guy was thin but not skinny and he was well toned indicating that he worked out. She raised her brow and reached for her beer, "That was the point. Most people wouldn't think about coming here. Unless they were a lost tourist."

"We've had a couple of those," the guy replied with a laugh.

Angela studied him and replied as she took a sip, "I bet that was interesting."

"Yep and Mel was so polite about showing them to a place down the road." The guy leaned against the bar and grabbed a beer. Popping the cap, he took a swig and continued, "You did a good thing with those two. Most of these guys can't stand them."

"Yeah and Mel is always the polite one even though he's got more muscle than you."

"Yeah, he can bench press me and I love it." The guy grinned as he took another sip. "Well I suppose introductions are in order. I'm Kenny." He held out his hand.

"Angela," Angela replied, taking the proffered hand. "Most call me Angie. I don't have to give you my life history now do I?"

Kenny shook his head, "Nah. Mel told me about you and I did meet you just not officially. The last time you came by."

"So Ellen and Jo knew you?" Angela turned to lean her elbows on the bar. She studied the guy and decided that he was okay.

"Ellen hired me on to manage the books and do a little work on the side. Mostly finding things and the like," Kenny replied with a shrug. "I can pretty much track things like omens and stuff. It's come in handy when needed." He paused for a moment and then said, "She used to call me a geek with a cellular phone but I was a badass."

Angela hummed at that as she recalled another badass with computers. "Well you're not Dr. Badass but if you're any good you'll earn the title badass." She looked at Kenny and grinned. "So you and Mel have been keeping the place up?"

"Yeah. Had to since Jo was keen on hunting and Ellen just…" Kenny made a gesture and made a face. "And a whole lot of WWAD if you catch my meaning."

"Knowing Ellen… yeah." Angela took another sip of her beer and put it on the bar. She looked at the bottle and what was left of the liquid and thought for a moment. "I'm sorry you guys had to run the show for this long. I just…" She shrugged, not sure of what to say.

"Hey, we didn't mind and we get it." Kenny patted Angela on the shoulder. "A lot of these guys come in here talking about the end results as I call it. It's serious stuff and when you've been partners for so long… I get it. Me and Mel are partners and more than that."

Angela chuckled at that, "I figured." At the look Kenny was giving her she explained by tapping her nose. "Believe me I've smelled things worse than sex on people."

"And I don't think I want to know how you know what sex smells like," Kenny replied glad to confirm that the stories of Angela's ability to sniff out shit was true.

"I live with a guy who just goes out and gets it much like a beer or a sandwich."

"Ah I see you met Kenny." Melvin came back carrying a box with a couple of folders on top. He took in the looks that he was receiving and grinned, "I see Angie here has told you about being able to smell sex." He set the box down on the counter and continued at the speechless look Kenny was giving him, "Did you know that she can even tell what kind of sex she can smell?"

Angela couldn't help but start to chortle at that. She knew that Melvin was going to have fun with this and it was her fault when she said without thinking that Jo smelled like sex when she came back. It started the Ellen Inquisition and her apologizing to Jo and telling Ellen off that Jo was a grown woman. Unfortunately Melvin had been around and never let her live it down. Still it was funny since it was more or less catering to the fact that her olfactory senses were now the equivalent of her Wilder.

Kenny looked at Angela and then Melvin and replied, "You're fucking me right?"

"I know that he is," Angela murmured. She noted that Melvin was chuckling and pointed at him, "He smells like man sex." She pointed at Xander, "He is looking for sex." She then leaned in close and whispered to Kenny, "And you smell like the opposite sex."

Kenny looked at Angela and managed to pick up on the double meaning of her words. He stared wide eyed at the woman more out of surprise and awe than embarrassment. "Okay, that is really… Well not creepy but interesting. How… how…"

"My nose," Angela replied, "A little quirk after a job involving the powers that be." She wasn't certain how well Kenny and Melvin knew about the stuff she knew. True they knew about the supernatural but only what Ellen and Jo brought them in on. Hell she got the same look of awe when they realized that she was not a full blooded vampire. "After that, I did start noticing things. I've always been able to sniff out evil ass shit. Hell Dean could tell you I sniffed out ghost or poltergeist. It's just amplified."

"And it's been entertaining," Melvin put in as he put the folders to the side.

Kenny, after getting over his shock, said, "Hell yeah." He leaned on the counter and looked at Angela. "Oh I hope you don't mind but I kept up the stuff of intel gathering and I pass it along to a hunter needing a job. Mel juices them up and I give them a job."

"Not my fault they douse themselves in alcohol. I just impose the limits."

"After you ask me to play bouncer."

Angela chuckled at the banter. She always liked it when people could banter back and forth in an almost argumentative fashion. It was a testament to how well they knew each other. "It's fine Kenny. In fact that is what I wanted to talk to the both of you about."

Melvin got down to business and asked the last of the hunters to leave. He closed the door and made sure it was locked. It was business after all and not the kind that others should hear. He walked back to the bar and pulled out a good bottle of whiskey. He poured three glasses. He passed them out and said, "Alright bitches, what's the score?"

Angela grinned at Melvin. The man had no qualms going all feminine and she rather liked it since it was full of candor and down to the point. She always appreciated straight to the point. She looked at Kenny and noted that he was serious too. She nodded, "Okay then assholes…" She paused when they laughed at her. "First off the Roadhouse is staying open so a drink to that."

The three of them took a shot with Kenny giving a cheer. Angela downed her drink like it was nothing from years of practice and the fact that she just didn't get drunk off of alcohol. That was a secret that Jo had taken to the grave and the Winchesters were particularly careful though that was more on Sam's end than Dean's. She tapped the bar for another shot and continued, "There are a few changes that I think are in order. Nothing major. Just because of occupants and the clientele."

Kenny shot a look at Melvin and then said, "Well I'm curious about what you have in mind. Ellen always said that it was scary not knowing what you though until you said something. Had no idea if you were going to talk about life and death or something mundane like peaches and cream. Ow!"

Melvin had elbowed Kenny but Angela waved it off. It was no harm, no foul. It felt good to be talking about good times with the people that were now gone. She waved him off, "Don't be a bitch honey. It's okay because I know for a fact that Sam hates that look." She smiled knowing that they were going to ask but later. She continued, "I'm thinking changes that would make this more or less like a B&B for hunters."

"I like the way you think," Melvin said. He poured more shots and started giving ideas more to bring laughs than anything else but it kept the discussion going into the early evening.

The darkness was like a blanket as it covered the landscape. The trees looked like they were nothing more than dead twigs sticking in the dirt. Intermittently there were buildings, namely houses that dotted that landscape. Occasionally there was a cow or two if they passed a farm but other than that, there was nothing exciting for the two young boys sitting in the backseat of the SUV they had been riding in since this morning.

They had been traveling since the day before and it was long and boring with only a few rest stops in between to cater to necessary wants aka food, bathroom and gas. At night they stayed at motels that were at the edge of town or out in the middle of nowhere. When asked, they told that they were on a road trip with their family. That was the story and no one really questioned it.

"Are you still awake?"

One of the boys looked at the drive that had spoken with large dark brown eyes and replied, "It's too bumpy to sleep, Banwari. Dasra makes weird noises." He shot a look at his brother.

Dasra, looking just like his brother glared and countered, "You're the one that makes noises Nasa." He blew a raspberry for good measure along with a punch.

"When did you get so violent?"

"When you started being a jerk."

The bickering went back and forth until the driver said in a calm yet stern tone, "Boys."

Both boys were quiet and murmured in the tone often associated with contrite kids on those dumb TV shows, "Sorry Banwari."

The driver couldn't help but grin a little at it. He was used to it having been with the boys for the past five years as their guardian. It was a job he didn't take lightly and it was one that was full of interesting challenges considering how he had heard that they were mild mannered. He figured it was a front since the bickering was something he dealt with on a daily basis. He adjusted the vehicle and said, "I know it's not exactly fun riding in the car all day but you need to take whatever chance you can and sleep since we can't stop often."

"It's not really comfortable," Dasra said as he brushed his dark locks out of his eyes.

"I know. It's not comfortable for me but sometimes you have to work with it," the guardian replied. He checked the sign they passed and gave a grin. At least there was some light at the end of the tunnel. "Besides I believe we may be able to find a place."

"Really?" Both boys perked up. The idea of getting out of the car for the night was appealing. It didn't matter where as long as the beds were comfy and there was running water that actually could get hot. "Where?"

"It's a place that will be safe for you two."

The boys gave a slight eye roll. Of course it had to be safe. Banwari was good at his job and that was the one thing he insisted upon no matter what. Dasra replied, "Okay. But can you tell us where it's at?"

"It is a safe place. The people that go there are warriors. The place is owned by one and a very special one."

"Meaning that he or she impressed you with a back kick."

"Nasatya!"

Banwari chuckled and replied, "Yes Nasatya. This person is very special. And very honorable." He switched his lane to pass by a car that was on the highway. "It will be a couple of hours. So I suggest you get some sleep."

The boys scowled as they sat back in their seats. It was typical when it came to the treat of a motel. It usually was a couple of hours away so that they were so tired they didn't know which way was up. Most of the time, they pulled over and parked in an empty lot or a field and curled up on the seat and that ended up with one or both of them grumbling.

Banwari merely chuckled at that. He was used to it and while he did have to issue discipline on occasion he liked the boys. He didn't forget how important they were which was why he did things the way he did. He just hoped that where they were going they would be able to stay a couple of days. He needed to check in and make sure that things were clear. With everything going on, you couldn't take any chances. He checked the mirror before activating his hands free set and dialed the number. He waited until it picked up before speaking in his native tongue since it was easier.

It was more than a couple of hours but by the time the boys would have noticed, they were fast asleep in the back seat. Banwari had stopped to get gas since they were running low and it wasn't more than a few miles from the place. It wouldn't do any harm. He filled up the tank while keeping an eye out on the traffic. It wasn't a major thoroughfare but he still kept an eye on his surroundings. One couldn't be too careful.

When he finished filling up, he went inside to get his change. He looked at the attendant and asked for change after grabbing one of those weird Gatorade things and a cup of coffee. He brought his purchases to the attendant and waited.

"Everything good?"

"Fine thank you," Banwari replied as he waited.

"Late night travelling?"

"I like to travel at night. Less traffic."

The attendant hummed and got the change for the gas and handed the receipt to Banwari who accepted them with thanks. The attendant said, "Have a nice night."

Banwari took his purchases and with a curt nod walked out. He got to the car and checked once more before getting in. He checked on the boys before starting the engine and pulling out of the station. He took a sip of the coffee and adjusted for the last few miles down the road. Then he could relax a little.

He hadn't gone more than a couple of miles when something hit on his side with a loud crash and ran him off the road. The SUV slid off the road with a squeal and the sound of crunching metal and smashed glass. Banwari tried to keep the SUV on the road but the force from the vehicle was too much and he was forced off and the vehicle flipped over.

Dasra and Nasatya had been asleep until they had been jolted awake by the vehicle being rammed into. They gasped awake and looked out the left and saw the headlights of the vehicle ram them again. Collectively they gasped as the vehicle hit and theirs flipped over and rolled off the road.

It was a jostling ride as the SUV rolled over. For the boys it was seeing the world turned over and over. The only thing that kept them from being tossed about were their seatbelts. They grunted with each turn until the SUV slammed against a tree. The world went black as it came to rest against the tree. The smoke began to rise from the engine and drift lazily towards the night sky as the other vehicle came to a stop.

Nasatya opened his eyes and blinked blearily as they looked around to find that the world wasn't looking right. After a moment he realized that the world was upside down. Looking around he saw the arm of his brother dropping down to the ground. He grunted, "Dasra?"

Dasra opened his eyes and looked around and saw his brother. "Nasa?"

Before Nasatya could say anything, he sensed it and gasped. He turned his head and saw a pair of feet coming towards them. He knew his brother sensed it too since Dasra's head turned at the same time. The person coming towards them was not a good person. It was one of them. And it was coming after them. The thought had them frozen in fear.

"Get out."

Both boys turned and looked at their guardian. They saw him struggling to get undone and he was bleeding from a cut on his head. Dasra was closest and habitually reached out towards the cut. He was stopped by Banwari's hand. He gasped and looked at Banwari.

"Get out. Both of you," Banwari repeated. He looked at the pair of brothers as he managed to get his seat belt undone. He looked at Nasatya and said, "Nasatya, get your brother and get away."

"Banwari…" Nasatya began.

"Get away. The both of you." Banwari swiped at them with a knife and cut the seat belts. "Make your way down to the Roadhouse. It's down the highway. Trust no one except the one who bears the silver blade."

Both boys blinked as they fell to the ground. At the same time Banwari had managed to get himself free and crawled out through his side. The boys watched as their guardian stood up to whoever was there and began to fight. It was Nasatya that grabbed his brother and encouraged him to come, "Come on Dasra."

They managed to get out through the front passenger side and run a bit down the side of the highway. They turned to see their guardian fighting the one who ran them off the road. They could see the other vehicle, a rather large truck smashed and smoking a bit. They could even see the track of the rollover but their attention was held on the one fighting their guardian.

It was not a man fighting their guardian. It was not even human. It was something else. They didn't know what it was but they both knew that it was evil. And they knew that it was something after them. It was why their guardian was assigned to them and was now fighting that thing. Dasra watched with a wide eyed expression until that thing turned slightly.

Whether it was the light or something, the look of that thing had Dasra gasp. He wasn't sure of what he saw but it was enough to have him stop in his tracks. It was then that his brother grasped his arm and tugged him away. Dasra followed his brother into the night. Both brothers ran. They ran as they had been instructed and headed down the highway towards the place they had been told to run.

A/N: So it looks like Angie is taking care of things at the Roadhouse but something is happening and it ain't friendly. Keep watching for more Kind, Enlightened Giving...