*Just one more chapter after this! Of course I kind of hate having it at 9 chapters instead of even 10, but lets see where this goes.*

Before entering the museum itself they had to tie up Toby pretty well and keep him in the trunk. Toby said he could help out, but the Winchester men still didn't trust him fully yet, and if they wanted to save Sam this had to be done right the first time by professionals. Toby hated it, saying three heads were better than two, but he ended up in the trunk anyway and that was that.

Braking into the museum was a piece of cake. They have actually broken into several museums, having to look for certain small insignificant artifacts that the museum would just chalk up to vandals wanting to make a quick buck. Who cares since they would collect insurance money for it anyway? But THIS….THIS was a little trickier. The amulet itself was actually guarded by two-night watch officers, was behind a thick layer of glass surrounding it by all sides, and had a special security camera aimed at it. One that was hard to get to in the first place. Of course they brought masks. They didn't want to actually have to wear them, but they had no choice.

The two men didn't realize that that amulet was more than just a fancy piece of glass or a fancy quartz. It was an actual Ruby. If it were to be a diamond they wouldn't have been able to get within one-hundred feet of the thing without getting shot, so they were grateful it was a Ruby. Either way they didn't really care about the stupid stone. Somewhere Sam was in the hands of a perverted monster wearing John's face. That alone made Dean make sure this was going to go down without any problems, and quickly.

The two men put the masks on once they reached the 'Rare Antiquities' room. The rest of the building was easy enough to navigate, but this room was being guarded, which meant extra cameras as well. The night watch men were just regular men doing their job. All they needed was an easy distraction to get them away from the stone and they could do their thing.

John went off in search of the furthest bathroom. Right away he started a massive fire, making sure it was it was to engulf the men's, women's, AND family rest room. He was hoping the whole dam museum didn't actually go up in flames, but that was a risk he was willing to take. It was easy enough, and he made his way out and back in Dean's direction, waiting for the alarms to go off.

Before they knew it alarms were blaring. They could tell it scared the crap out of the two somewhat elderly watchmen who wasn't expecting such a disturbance. The second the two men left the area they were guarding to see what was going on, John and Dean made their move.

With masks and heavy duty gloves on the two men took out the hammer, and attempted to smash the glass. With much surprise and frustration, the dam thing didn't even crack.

Next without warning Dean took out his gun and fired a single round at the thing, which actually ricocheted and almost hit John, who was not amused. He clipped Dean on the side of his head.

"Dam it what were you thinking?!"

"I was thinking we need to get to this stupid thing and fast. What the hell is this glass made out of anyway lead?"

"Well don't fire at it again."

John tried the simple solution of trying to pick the lock on the case, but it was an industrial lock, and no lock pick set he could think off would work in this situation.

"Dam it dad we need to hurry! Those guys will be back once the fires are put out then what? We can't kill innocent watch men doing their jobs."

"Ok. I'll go see if the fires are put out, then I'll simply knock them out and tie them up in the closet. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. You keep trying to break the glass."

With that John was gone. Dean knew there was an even more limited amount of time before the fire department showed up along with some cops. He tried everything that was in his duffel, but nothing was working.

Suddenly he heard a slight noise to his left and turned quickly, aiming his gun at… well at himself.

"How the hell did you escape?"

It was Toby. He looked worse for wear and had his hands up in the air.

"Can't break the glass right? I can help."

Dean let Toby come close to the display. He saw him examine the whole thing while still having his gun aimed at him.

"It's impossible. If I can't break the dam thing what makes you think you can do it?"

Much to Dean's surprise Toby closed his eyes. It looked like he was meditating. Suddenly Toby's arm struck out. Once his arm hit the glass, the whole dam thing shattered. Dean had to take a step back, and was flabbergasted at what just happened. Then an alarm started blaring.

"How the hell did you do that? That thing was impossible to break!"

"I remembered something while tied up in the trunk. This thing can protect itself if a human threat is near. True I can't really touch it unless it has human blood on it, but it also won't let a human steal it without putting up a fight. It's calling to me, but you need to pick the dam thing up. So now that we have it we need to hurry and get to Sam."

Dean carefully picked up the amulet, wrapped it in cloth and put it in his bag. He couldn't argue with results, but he sure as hell was going to question them. Once they were out of the way of the main security camera, Dean was antsy as he walked briskly beside Toby, and took off his mask. He knew John would take care of the security guards, then meet them at the impala once he discovered the amulet was taken care of.

"How the hell did you get out of the trunk? I tied those knots themselves AND they were laced with silver."

Toby quickly lifted his arm to reveal his wrist that was bruised and bloodied.

"It wasn't easy. But being you I managed to snake out of them. I wasn't planning on escaping, but once I remembered that you two couldn't get to the dam thing I knew I had to escape."

It was a very 'Dean' thing to do. Although he would now have to upgrade his knot tying skills.

"By the way dude, my face is now on that security camera back there. They might start looking for us…I mean me."

Without stopping Toby continued.

"My face will be blurred on the cameras. I'm a powerful shifter, so they will see my body, but my face will be blurry. Don't worry about it."

Dean had to stop in his tracks.

"Hey! It's MY body and MY face! It's just on loan to you until I kill you."

Toby stopped and looked back with a grin on his face.

"I know."

That was the only thing Toby said before making it outside.

Dean ran to catch up with, and not two seconds later John came running out, tearing his mask off in the process.

"Hurry get in the car! The fire's put out but it doesn't mean people won't show up." John said in an out of breath hurry.

Just then they could hear sirens in the distance. John got in the driver's side, Dean got in the front, and Toby jumped in the back seat. The three men took off in a flash. They had a job to finish.

~*SPN*~

Once Mathis returned to the motel he saw Sam was still out for the count. A smile spread across his face.

'Dam this kid is a lightweight.'

Mathis went to undoing the chains that held Sam in place, and taking out the gag. Once he was done he threw them in the closet, and walked back over to the bed. Sam looked peaceful.

Mathis made sure he was still breathing, and his heart beat was strong.

Next he ran his fingers through the kid's hair, searching to see if there was any damage due to the impromptu car crash. He did notice the bruise and cut that was still apparent on his head from when they took him in the first place. Other than that he could see nothing was bleeding, and nothing was broken. Well nothing was bleeding yet.

He sat at the table once again, waiting for a phone call. And waiting to see if his captive would wake up. In the meantime, time to download some memories.

~*SPN*~

It was only 30 minutes later that Mathis heard a moan coming from Sam. He turned his head and saw Sam start to stir. He was up and to Sam's side with a bottle of water, just as Sam was opening his eyes. They were still a bit glassy and unfocused. Those drugs must have done a dam number on him.

But now Mathis had no need to give Sam any drugs. If he could earn his trust, this will go easier.

"Dad?"

Sam's voice was but a whisper, but Mathis was playing the 'caring father card' now after all. Time for the act.

He put on a smile.

"It's good to see you awake son. You dam near gave me a heart attack."

Sam blinked. Everything was fuzzy and he felt disconnected from his body. He knew his dad was by his side, so whatever had happened couldn't have been too bad. As of a matter of fact what the hell did happen?

Sam slowly started to sit up, with his 'dad's' help of course. He looked around the room and noticed it was in complete darkness.

"Dad, what happened? Why do I feel so weird?"

"What's the last thing you remember?"

Sam looked away and actually had to think. He closed his eyes and put his hand to his head.

"Uuuhhhh a shifter. We were looking up information on a shifter that was killing people. Then we were running in the woods…that's all I remember….ow!"

Sam accidently grazed his hand over the wound on his head. He stared at Mathis.

"Dad what's going on? Why can't I remember anything and….."

Sam took a quick look around the motel room.

"Where's Dean? Is he ok? Why can't I remember what happened…."

Mathis held up his hand to cut Sam off.

"What a minute son one question at a time. We were chasing the shifter, but the dam thing got ahold of you. Knocked you out, drugged you and tried to take you somewhere, but me and Dean killed the dam thing and got you to safety. You have a minor concussion and are just coming down from the drugs. Dean went to the nearest hospital, which seems to be in the next state by the amount of time it's taking him, so he can re-stock on supplies and grab something for your head there."

Sam took in all the information. It made sense to him. This wouldn't be the first time Dean went on a hospital restock run while John kept watch over a sick Sam. Usually it was the other way around, but who was Sam to argue.

Mathis patted Sam's leg and started walking towards the small table.

"You hungry Sam?"

"No. Maybe I'll eat something later."

"Ok. Relax then, or watch some t.v."

Sam reached over and grabbed the remote off the nightstand. Watching t.v with this headache probably wasn't the best idea, but he wanted to try and stay awake until Dean came back. As much comfort as his dad gave him, Dean always made him feel better. Whether it was the fact that Dean could read Sam like a card and never needed to ask 'what's wrong' in order to actually know what's wrong, or if it was just the sheer fact that Dean practically raised him. Either way he would feel a lot better once he got to see Dean again.

~*SPN*~

Mathis sat and watched Sam for a little bit. He was catching onto John's memories, and the more he remembered the more fun he wanted to have.

Taking something out of his pack he moved in front of the t.v screen, and saw Sam was still awake but relaxing. Sam straightened somewhat and looked at his father.

"Dad what's up?"

"Remember when you were younger and I taught you and your brother how to scam with card games? Those were good times."

Mathis held out the card deck.

"Let's see if you can beat your old man."

It was about an hour later where Mathis and Sam were playing cards. They were both relaxed, and actually having a pretty good time. Sam was kicking his ass, and if they were playing for money, Mathis would have to rob a small bank to pay for his dept. 'John certainly taught these boys well.' Getting lost in John's good memories would be a bad thing. If he started tapping into John's feelings, he could turn out like Toby. He was contemplating on knocking Sam out and changing his skin, when his phone started beeping. He pulled it out and it was a text message from 'Dean.' He opened it up and saw a picture of the amulet. It was beautiful. He could practically feel it's power already. He grinned and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

"Was that Dean?"

Mathis looked up at Sam. He could see concern in the younger man's eyes.

"Yeah it is. I'm going to talk to him outside I'll be right back."

"Can I talk to him?"

"Let me see what he has to say then maybe."

Mathis shot Sam a comforting smile, and Sam visibly relaxed.

He went outside with the cell phone, and dialed Dean's number. He kept checking back to the motel room to make sure Sam didn't follow him outside. He's always been a stubborn kid and he wouldn't be surprised if he did follow him outside. But there was no sight of Sam as Dean picked up the phone.

"It's Dean."

"Hey nice job with the amulet. Now that we have it we should meet somewhere deserted to do out exchange. There's an abandoned factory not 10 miles from where your motel room is at. I'll meet you guys there."

"It's a plan. I want to talk to Sam."

Mathis looked back at the motel room and smirked.

"Sam's fine. Me and him are having a blast. I'm taking care of the kid Dean really I am. Why don't you believe me?"

"I don't trust you within an inch of my life. If you hurt Sam you're going to pay dearly. Tap into my dad's memories and see what happens to things that hurt my little brother."

"Big talk for someone who hesitated to shoot a Strega when it was killing his little brother. Are you going to hesitate like that me also?"

Yup. Mathis tapped into John's memories, and he knew for a fact that that particular memory had to be painful for Dean to remember. He didn't get a response, and instead decided to end this fast.

"Meet me at that factory, and you can see Sammy again."

Mathis slammed the phone shut and started his walk back to the motel room where he left Sam. Once he saw him his expression softened.

"Where's Dean?"

"Your brother got a flat tire and had no service. We are going to go pick him up."

Sam shook his head yes and wish he didn't. His head still hurt and he was still dizzy. His hand flew to his temple and he tried to steady himself. He was concentrating on trying not to get sick. He looked back up at his 'father'.

"Something wrong?"

Just then a truck came by at just the right moment. It's head beams flashed in 'John's' face and Sam saw his eyes light up to a white hue. His own eyes widened in surprise and his muttled brain was trying to process if what he saw was real, or something brought on by his head injury and a trick of the light. Either way Sam had to keep his composure.

"No. Nothing's wrong. I just still have a bad headache and all. Plus I'm not feeling to well."

Mathis looked over Sam's features. The boy was pale and it looks like the simple card games has taken Sam's energy.

"Well, the sooner we get to Dean the sooner we can get back so you can relax."

"Actually I was thinking maybe it would be better if I stayed here."

"I'm not letting you stay here alone when you're injured. What if something brakes in while I'm gone? We'll be quick. Come on now."

Sam kept studying his father. There was something horribly off here. Sam's stayed by himself when he's had a concussion a bunch of times. And that was when he was younger. Slowly but surely he felt in his boots where he always kept his silver bladed knife. He was grateful that it was still there. He took it out as Mathis was collecting his stuff from around the motel room, and got himself ready.

Sam stood and started inching himself closer to his 'father.' If it was his father he would certainly get a mad expression, but he knew he would be forgiven over time. If it wasn't his father, then he would have to act accordingly.

The second Sam got to where he was in striking distance, Mathis turned around and grasped Sam's wrist hard making him gasp out in pain. Sam looked him in the eyes, and this time the tell-tale sign of the brief change in eye color wasn't missed, and Mathis wasn't pretending anymore.

"This could have been a lot simpler Sam."

Sam took his right leg and kicked Mathis hard in the stomach. The sudden blow made him release Sam's wrist and he went flying backwards into the wall. He regained his thoughts just to see Sam running towards the door. He got up quickly and tackled Sam hard from the back.

The blow had Sam wanting to throw up, but he knew this shifter was not going to let him leave without a fight. Before the shifter could pin him down properly, Sam tried shifting to his back with the blade in his hand, and managed to get a huge bloodied cut right across the shifter's face.

Mathis wasn't expecting the attack by Sam. This kid is wiry. The silver blade cut his skin and hurt like a bitch. It was time to play dirty.

Sam got to his feet fast and it made him dizzy. Mathis took the second of the opportunity, to use his full body weight and crash right into Sam again, making them both tumble to the ground, Mathis on top of Sam. He straddled Sam's legs and gripped the boy's hair as tight as he could, making Sam make a cry out in pain. He had lost the silver blade when the shifter took him down the second time, and he couldn't see it anywhere near reaching distance.

The fingers pulled at his hair tight, making Sam elicit a slight yelp, and Sam's hands went to the shifter's hands to try and pry them off. Unfortunately, the grip was to tight, and he tried to use every trick in the book he was taught since he was younger to get from under the shifter.

"Stop struggling I taught you those moves."

Sam looked Mathis right in the eyes.

"Dean taught me. You suck at downloading memories."

"Who do you think taught Dean? Speaking of Dean we have to get going."

"Where is he? Where's my dad? I swear if you hurt them…"

"It's not them I would be worrying about."

Without warning Mathis shifted his hand in Sam's hair, and viciously slammed the back his head into the carpet. The pain from the second impact made his see stars. He only passed out for a couple of minutes, but when he was coming to he could feel something tight around his wrists. He tried to move them and felt chain biting into his skin. He went to move his legs and noticed at least those were free. He opened his eyes and he saw the shifter coming towards him. He tried to stand, but just lifting his head made him sick, and he put his aching head back down on the carpet. He couldn't help but close his eyes tight, but once he did he felt something pull at the ropes around his wrists, and felt he was being lifted. Another couple of minutes he opened his eyes and saw the ground moving beneath him, and the back of legs.

'Crap, he's carrying me over his shoulder.'

That was the last thought as he was bodily slammed into the backseat of a truck. Trying to take control of the pain he kept doing the breathing techniques taught to his by his family. But soon enough the truck was moving, and he was in so much pain he closed his eyes tight, and blacked out again. This time letting the darkness take over. His last thoughts were of his family, and hoped to god they were ok.