C10

-o-o-o-o-

He had no idea how this pair knew about the mark, but the whole pile of trouble Dean had thought he was in, just got a hell of a lot deeper. Even so, he was determined that this time, whatever the cost, there was no way he was going to let himself be a puppet for any angel scum. Not now, not ever again. First chance he got, he was jumping ship.

"Dunno if you're aware Harvey, but really all I got was a cool shaped burn mark on my arm. No powers, no premonitions, no bendy spoons. Sorry if that makes me a disappointment to you lot. Sod's law eh? Still, I don't mind dropping you both off in town if that's gonna help?"

Miriam gave a short laugh, reaching forward, she ruffled Dean's hair like he was some kind of puppy. Dean ducked away from the angel's hand.

"Do not be so concerned. Some of our brethren seek the First Blade even now, and we know that you will share what knowledge you may have in order to aid us in that search. You will not disappoint us, child."

Dean's thoughts immediately turned to Crowley, why hadn't that double dealing sonovabitch returned any of his calls? Where the Hell was the limey ex King? Externally, Dean maintained a casual front.

"Oh, I wouldn't take bets on that, sweetie."

The Impala sped on, past a sign board welcoming careful drivers to the town of Burlap.

-o-

"Well. This' Burlap. Nice houses. What now Sam?"

"Follow the directions into the town centre. The main road run's through there. I'm hoping that's the route they'll follow. If I'm right, we've got a shot at spotting my brother's car if we park up near the High Street. You think you can tail someone without being too obvious?"

"Only by how I've seen it done in the movies. Keep a couple of cars between us and them, drive so's you don't attract any unwanted attention, right?"

Sam grinned.

"Right ... Adele? You don't have to do this, you know? You can drop me off at the town centre if you want, I can pick up a car and carry on alone. I really don't want to put you in danger."

"Pick up? You mean steal, don't you? ... Sam honey, I'm, well, a bit older than you let's say, divorced, no kids, dead end job. Basically, my life is one long stretch of boredom. So, stop worrying about me, I'm seein' this through. Anyway, I'm ex forces, I'm tougher than I look."

Sam's grin grew wider and he nodded at the good hearted and courageous woman sat next to him, vowing to himself that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe.

"Yeah. You certainly are."

"Right then, Hallmark moment over, what kinda car are we looking out for?"

"Black '67 Chevy Impala...Know what Adele? Dean's really gonna like you."

"What's not to like? Let me know where you want me to park."

-o-

Hitting the outskirts of the town centre, Dean began scanning the area, pleased to see plenty of people out and about, getting on with their lives, blithely unaware of the angels in their midst. There seemed to be a decent amount and variety of shops and signs showed the way to the main shopping mall. Up ahead Dean spotted indications of a busy open market. He glanced with envy at the people sat at tables, drinking coffee, out side a couple of nice looking street cafe's. The traffic flow in both directions was slowed down by regular pedestrian crossings and traffic control lights. Dean decided his best chance was to wait until he had to stop for a red light, and then to leave the Impala and make a run for any shop or outdoor space that looked busy enough to provide the chance of getting himself lost amongst the shoppers. Adrenalin flowed throughout Dean's body as he readied himself to move as soon as the opportunity presented. Neither he nor the angels had any reason to take particular notice of an unassuming blue ford when they passed it pulled up by the roadside in amongst the other varied vehicles which were similarly parked.

-o-

Sam suddenly sat bolt upright.

"There! It's them!"

Letting a white Mondaeo past first, Adele pulled out of the parking slot.

"Here we go then. Who's the pair in the back? Is the guy your brother?"

Without taking his focus off the Impala, Sam shook his head.

"No. Dean's driving, those two must be the kidnappers"

"Huh. Didn't expect there'd be a woman involved. If it comes to it Sam, you can leave that bitch to me. Ok?"

Suddenly panicked, Sam stared at Adele, his tone sharper than he intended.

"No! You don't go anywhere near her, gottit? You stay with the car, hear me Adele?"

Keeping her eyes on both the road and the Impala as the line of traffic they were in slowed down in response to a red light, Adele frowned.

"Jeeze Sam! What the frigg? Why're you yellin' at me?"

Sam closed his eyes, sighing as he bowed his head.

"I'm sorry Adele. Just, please, trust me? You don't...

"Sam! Your brother's making a run for it!"

-o-o-o-o-