CHAPTER 9

When Sam checked the clock, he winced. Again, just as it was earlier that week, the clock showed an ungodly hour for him to be up doing some more homework. But he couldn't sleep. There was something about this whole case that felt lopsided. He glanced at Dean, asleep at the table across from him, whiskey glass still in his hand. Sam turned the yellow stone around in his hands, searching for some type of clue or brainwave that would be useful.

He felt as if he should know something...But it wasn't there. Castiel was out of reach doing some important Heaven business, so Sam had no way to contact Cupid. He was looking through all of the old books Bobby had told him to check out at the local library, but nothing. No spells or rituals or anything that could bring a cherub into their room. Not now, anyway.

"I know, baby, it'll be good in a minute..." Dean mumbled sleepily to himself, a slight smirk emerging from his mouth.

Sam got up quietly and stretched. His body needed some exercise. Maybe he could go for a quick walk around the block and clear his mind. It was 4:30, so dawn was almost around the corner.

The fresh air felt incredible. He just turned the corner of the motel when Sam bumped into a petite jogger with cherry red hair and bright blue eyes.

"Oh!" She said. "I'm so sorry, man." Her voice sounded as if she had some hint of an exotic accent.

"No, it's me. I should be watching where I'm going."

The girl took her headphones out of her ears for a minute. "Are you the one who owns that sweet ride?" She asked, gesturing towards the Impala.

Sam smiled. "Uh, no. That would be my brother. I just sit in the passenger's seat."

"Too bad," The girl said. "I think you'd look pretty good driving it."

She went to shake his hand. "I'm Loretta."

"Sam."

"Nice to meet you, Sam. I'm here vacationing for the rest of the week. See you around, I hope."

"Me too. Um, can I ask where you're from?" His curiosity proved to be too much.

"Boston, but my parents are from Romania. Catch you later!"

As she turned and put her headphones back in, Sam noticed that Loretta had something familiar about her. He realized as she jogged away-she had a necklace with a yellow stone on it.