Chapter 11

"Okay I admit that it was not a good idea to lay it out to the kid like that Angie but he's been seeing it for the last fifteen years."

"I don't think that was the point Dean."

"Shut up Sam."

Angela ignored the conversation that the boys were working themselves into as she slipped out of the room the kid said they could stay in for the night. She wandered the hall pausing to look at the things that told of the family that lived there. She gave a tentative touch and saw the happy moments that occurred in that house. She also saw the moments of sadness over certain things. There was history in this house.

"The boy is tied to this house."

Angela turned to find herself face to face with the one being that was normally invisible to everyone else. She had been able to see them ever since she came back the first time and that was when they wanted her to see them or they didn't realize she could see them. This one she knew and she replied, "I figured that as much. How's the reaping Tessa?"

Tessa took the blunt manner in a stride. The Halfling was never one to give respect to those hadn't earned it and even if it was earned, her manner was blunt. She smiled, "It's the same. You know the rules. The other reapers are careful to mask themselves from you. It was a kindness to you since that first time."

"And one I appreciate." Angela looked down the hall to make sure no one was coming to see who she was talking to. It would be awkward to explain that one to the boys and as far as she knew, only Bobby and Dean knew that she had died once and had been brought back in a way similar to Dean's deal. "So I take it you want to give me a lecture about the natural order, etc.?"

Tessa gave a gentle smile, "No. It would be a waste of time since you know that. Like that would stop you. No, I came to talk about the case you are working on."

"The kid's brother was murdered… well he would see it that way." Angela gave a slight shrug of her shoulder. She saw it as murder herself even though they were racing in an illegal race.

"And you have seen the look in the one that killed him," Tessa countered patiently. "This house, this family has suffered for fifteen years over the loss of their son, his brother. His lingering presence has caused them to feel as if he is still around."

"A.J. sees him."

"I know. He stays for a reason. I've tried countless times for him to come but he always says that there is one last thing to do." Tessa gave a pensive gaze. "I know I don't have any right to ask anything of you since you have done your best to follow the rules but I am asking you for your help."

Angela looked at Tessa. Anyone less than her would have taken advantage of the situation and bargain with the reaper to break Dean's deal. Yet she was dealing with one of Death's agents and she respected them and Death in particular. She replied, "You know I could demand something in return for this but I won't."

"I would have thought you would want help for Dean."

"I do but I won't ask. Neither of Death nor his reapers."

Tessa smiled again. Absolution was always generous whether she saw it or not and in many ways. "Which is why the boss sends his regards and wishes you luck."

"I had a feeling he would. So what help do you need? You must know that the Winchesters and I are on the case." Angela gave a slight frown.

"Yes and Dean was remarkably blunt to the boy about what you intend to do with his brother's remains," Tessa replied with a slight hint of sarcasm.

"It's the nature of the job though I admit that it could have been handled better."

"Much like telling them about your activities?"

Angela had walked into that one. She rarely had someone who was just as good as she was in setting up the verbal traps to force the chick flick moments to occur. Tessa was one of them. She looked at the reaper and replied in a sing song voice, "Somebody has been spying."

"Out of concern," Tessa replied. "I know you will never admit it but deep down you care about the Winchesters and probably more than you should. I know that will make it difficult when you go to petition the higher powers since you are what has been said to come. You are Absolution, Angela whether you care to acknowledge it or not."

"Tessa, I am not what they think I am. I wield Absolution because it chose me," Angela replied in firm tones. It was an indication to drop the subject. "I wield Absolution and in turn I try to save people and bring justice to those that it is beyond their grasp. I will do it again if it means bringing a measure of peace to this family."

Tessa gave a slight but sad nod. She had known that it was fruitless to tell Angela what she was and had been chosen to be. She either didn't believe it or she knew it but didn't consider herself worthy of that. She figured that it had something to do with what happened to Sam and to her but looking at it now, it went back further than that. She wouldn't push it anymore. She replied, "Peace to the family yes. I think that maybe seeking justice would be a good thing."

Relieved that Tessa wasn't going to pursue it any further, Angela grabbed the line that spoke of business. "So you want me to try and talk to the spirit?"

"It wouldn't be anything different than what you have done before. You've seen the vision. Perhaps justice can be served by bringing the boy's killer to justice."

"That doesn't explain the pattern between the ones that he has already killed or seriously hurt," Angela countered. This was a strange case indeed and she was starting to get the impression that the really strange ones were attracted to her person.

"Isn't that part of the job? You investigate?"

"Rhetorical I know but it often puts focus onto the right things or things you never thought about before." Angela glanced over at a picture on the wall that had Matt and A.J. sitting in the Shelby. This case certainly had put a twist on some things and it might have hit a few chords for the boys. "Well I have time tomorrow and the ghost usually makes his move at night so…"

"Then you will help?"

"Nature of the job Tessa," Angela replied. "I'll try and hold off the salting and burning of the remains. If I can get him to stop and talk, then maybe…" She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe you should be there at that moment. It may help in the long run and you can do the job that you were given to do."

"That I can do." Tessa looked off in the distance. She had to go. "I have to go now. I am a reaper but you know how to call me when you are ready."

"You made sure I knew at least that."

Tessa smiled and replied, "You have a good heart. You always try to do what is right and it pains you when you make those difficult decisions. You are more human than most." She then left before Angela could say a word.

Angela stared at the direction Tessa had been standing in for a while even though she had gone and muttered, "Thanks Tessa." She then heard a slight shuffling sound and turned in the direction of the noise. She saw that it was A.J. and she wondered if he had heard any of the conversation she had with the reaper or even saw it. It would have looked like she was talking to herself and that would have put the image of crazy in his head. She gave a slight frown and asked, "Are you all right?"

A.J. had come out of his room to get a glass of water when he saw Angela staring at nothing. He thought that she was seeing something but it seemed that she was lost in thought. He ventured a little closer and stared for a moment until she caught sight of him. He replied, "I'm fine. Just getting some water. Everything okay for you and your friends?"

"It's fine."

"Um can I show you something?"

Angela looked at the boy with a slightly raised brow. She still wondered if he had overheard her talking to Tessa but she was not going to come out and accuse the kid. If he saw anything he would reveal it in any conversation they had. At the moment though, she could see the vulnerability the boy had. She gave a slight smile and asked, "What do you need?"

"I see you have been busy with the research," Angela commented as she looked at the newspaper and note covered walls. They were related to the accidents over the last fifteen years. She then came across a book that she had seen plenty of times especially with newer hunters. She picked it up and looked at it. It looked like the kid knew what the answers were going to be when he invited her and the Winchesters here; he just needed to hear them to see if it was for real.

"I sort of knew what you guys needed to do. I guess I just needed to hear it," A.J. replied as he pulled the covers back on his made up bed. His computer was still powered up and it looked like he had been busy for a while. "The thing is Matt isn't buried. Mom and Dad had him cremated."

Angela was looking at the academic awards that littered the wall. "Well that puts a damper on some things. What about his car? The one that he raced with?"

"Scrapped for parts. My parents didn't want to have anything to do with that car but they kept the Shelby around in the garage. I later found out that Matt made a will leaving the Shelby to me," A.J. replied as he tossed some pillows on the bed. "I get that will make your job harder. I read that salting and burning the remains or anything tied to the dead will put the ghost's spirit to rest."

"There are other ways of putting a spirit to rest besides that method. It is just the usual one." Angela started getting the feeling that Tessa already knew this which was why she appeared now. Apparently the reaper bus was getting slower or there was a real situation on hand that apparently they thought she could handle.

"Like holy ground?"

"Something like that but I was thinking more along the lines of talking to your brother. The thing is I need a common ground to work with and also to see if he is willing to work with me on that." Angela looked at a spelling competition award for a moment and then continued, "I plan on looking more at the case file tomorrow."

A.J. looked thoughtfully at Angela as she looked at his stuff. It was like she was interested in people and what they did. It was rather strange but if she could help with Matt, then he wasn't going to say anything. He replied, "Since there's no school tomorrow, I can work on your car. Also I have copies of the case files you can look at. The only connection I could draw besides the guys being racers was that they all drove a similar model to the car Nexxus drives."

Angela didn't flinch but listened to what the kid said. If that was the case then maybe the ghost of Matt was seeking justice. Yet it didn't make sense that he went after his little brother unless… She had to be careful in her line of questioning. "I see. So A.J. the other night when your brother rammed you, did he say anything, do anything?"

"He told me what he always told me. That he would always be there for me. Why?"

"I just found it curious that he went after you twice now but I was probably mistaken on my first assumptions." Angela stood up and began booting down things, generally being like a parent putting a child to sleep.

"You're thinking of something aren't you?"

"And you are just as inquisitive as Sam is," Angela retorted in good humor unaware that it came out sounding a little affectionate.

"Boyfriend?"

"No. We're just good friends."

A.J. gave a slight eye roll that was fortunately missed by Angela. "And Dean?"

"Another good friend."

"So you're friends with a pair of brothers?" A.J. raised his brow. "Sounds like a recipe for jealousy and the like considering…"

"Considering what? If you are referring to my looks that argument doesn't fly. We just share quite a bit in terms of burden, joys and sorrows. It's the life we lead," Angela finished. She pulled the covers over A.J. and added, "Now just go to sleep. Tomorrow we'll figure out a plan and finally put the spirit of the Silver Streak to rest."

A.J. couldn't help but grin and reply in a teasing voice, "Thanks mom."

Angela gave a slight huff that didn't mean anything coupled by a slight smile and turned off the light. She paused to take the copy of the files the kid had gotten a hold of and closed the door. She was surprised that the boys hadn't noticed she had left or if they did they were arguing over who caused her to leave and whatever else. Sure enough when she passed by the guest room, she heard them going at it. They needed to relieve whatever tension was between them and if she was the cause of that then fine.

"Angie?"

Angela stopped and held the files behind her. It wasn't that she didn't want to share it was that she wanted some alone time to think and maybe get a phone conversation in with the princess about that other thing. She gave a slight smile and replied, "Hey Dean. I was just walking around. You know my usual."

Dean looked at her as if she were nuts. "Sure Angie. We were going to talk about the case some more and you just disappeared on us."

"I would hardly call arguing over your lack of tact at times a discussion but I'll go with that," Angela replied reminding him the reason why she had slipped out. "I wasn't trying to ditch you but I just needed to think. There are a lot of things about this case that doesn't make sense like the fact that the Streak went after his own brother. I think I have a theory on that but I need some thinking time on that one."

Dean gave a slight nod. "Okay. Hey I'm sorry about the argument."

"Never mind about that," Angela dismissed it with a wave and a smile. "Whatever you and Sam need to work out, do it now because I think we may be able to get the ball rolling on finishing this in the morning. So get some shut eye okay?" She turned and walked down the stairs leaving Dean wondering what had just happened.

Dean wanted to say something but she had turned and left so fast, he didn't have a chance to say anything. Maybe the three of them needed to discuss a few things and he groaned inwardly at that prospect. For now he would leave it alone and he went back to the room where Sam was to tell him that Angela was doing her 'Angie thing.'

Even though it was dark, Angela could see everything. It was one of the few things about her vampire heritage that she was rather proud of and glad that she had it. The darkness was like a blanket, a safety net so to speak. She had lived in it ever since she went to live with her father the day it became clear that she could no longer live amongst the humans without proper training.

She had gone into it and learned what lurked in the darkness and how to fight it. She learned how to use it to her advantage and she taught others who had been dragged into that world. It was like being brought into the light with each one she taught and left a mark on. Yet she always went back to the darkness when she needed to retreat into her own thoughts and figure out her next move. It was a habit that she found useful when things were troubling or confusing.

Angela stared at the files that she snaked from the kid's room to read them over. It was somewhat diverting from the phone conversation that she had after the lights went out upstairs. She flipped the page and read the file on the next accident victim. It was like the kid said. All the drivers drove the same car as the douche Nexxus. If that was the case then maybe Matt was looking for justice. It certainly wasn't that farfetched since she had observed the Winchesters in action on that case at the lake where the spirit was killing the families of the two men that killed him when they were kids. They could be dealing with that once again.

She also thought it unusual that Tessa would make her appearance now about it instead of fifteen years ago. Maybe she thought that she could convince the spirit to come with her on her own. Perhaps the spirit refused every time. It was also strange how it hadn't caught the attention of other hunters until now. It could be the stories that were told and such since it was clear about Bobby's reaction to the case before they started in on it.

Angela flipped through to the last of the files. The kid certainly had been thorough in his hacking of the police database. It was like being with a younger version of Sam and something she was familiar with if on an unofficial level. The most memorable was when she followed the boys on a salt and burn that would have gone bad in a serious way if she hadn't interfered. Sam asked questions of her then like he did now, except then she wasn't in the talkative mood and left before the real questions were asked.

Angela flipped the file shut and placed it on her lap. There wasn't much to do until morning even though it technically was morning now. However her mind was still active and her thoughts went back to the conversation she had with the princess.

She made sure she could hear the sounds of sleep coming from the rooms. Just because the lights were off didn't mean that anyone was asleep. She waited until the boys, all three of them, were completely asleep before dialing. When she got the other end, she gave her usual greeting, "Nice time for a midnight chat right princess?"

I was wondering when you would call. Then again it must be hard work dealing with demons, witches, kelpies and, of course, a two timing bitch called Bela Talbot.

"Yeah I'm pretty busy not to mention playing mom to two full grown boys…"

That you have a special regard for. You're not fooling anyone here Angie and that is the reason for your extracurricular activities.

Angela sighed and replied, "Dean means a lot to me as a friend, Princess. It may not seem a long time for it to become that far along…"

Relax. I know. I just like making you admit it. Everyone thinks that you are the Ice Queen and no one can get through that icy reserve. Not even your friend Austin. So what is so important that you would call me after my last class?

"I want make a formal appeal."

Are you sure? You know how long that takes and there is not always a guarantee.

"I know but I want to do this. I know you dug up the procedures for it. My other option is still working on it so I would rather get this started."

I can send all my notes to your computer. Angie, are you sure you want to do this?

"Yes. Akira, I have to fix this or at least try. I didn't fight hard enough for the terms. The least I can do is fight to get him out of this deal. It's what I do."

Alright, I am sending everything now. You should be able to access it on that phone of yours though heaven help us that you actually use it.

"Thank you. I'll keep you posted on what happens."

I wouldn't have any other way. Good luck.

Sitting in the darkness, Angela thought about what they had talked about. She was reluctant to go the legitimate route because of the red tape involved but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that playing by the rules established when the world began was probably the best way to go. As much as she disliked admitting it, the legitimate way to go usually was the path with the least amount of consequences.

She never did like going the legitimate route because of the pacing of that route. She was always the one for a more direct route and it occurred to her that the higher beings may not like her over much. It wasn't that unusual since most people working the same side she was didn't think highly of her even if she was just as good on the job as they were. She was often told that she was rude and disrespectful of those higher than she was within the Centurion so it wasn't that far of a stretch to assume that the higher beings would hear about it.

She did have one of the higher powers on her side though but that would be considered a bias even if the whole ordeal were played within the scope of the rules. The goddess Isis had been heard quoting how she was her favorite daughter and Angela knew that would bear significant weight as to whether or not the goddess' opinion would count. Angela was not one to assume or demand a favor from someone that high up in return for the services that she provided on the side of the light.

Sighing, Angela pulled up the directory of applications for her phone. Since her last phone got destroyed when she used it as a weapon against Gordy Walker's friends, she decided an upgrade was feasible. She spent her personal money getting the next generation phone that included the connection for the Internet. Dean had teased her horribly about going techno geek with the cell phone and she retaliated by setting the ringtone to Bach as well as the music he would hear while the phone was dialing. That had been fun to hear his groaning.

Scrolling through the websites that she programmed the phone for and looked for the site that she kept the email she only gave to certain people, Akira being one and Sam the other. Not even Austin had that one and the reason was one that she really couldn't say. She scrolled her list and found an email from Sam back from when they were separated that she had forgotten to open. The only other unopened email was the recent one from Akira.

Angela opened it and began to read through the notes that the princess sent her. It was a formal ritual that had to be initiated by her in a certain way. It had to be done correctly or she would be rejected right then and there and she would have to wait seven days before trying it again. Sighing she bookmarked it so she could go over it in detail on her computer pad. Deciding she needed to read something more cheerful, she opened Sam's email and began to read it prepared for the lengthy letter that was typical of those days.

A/N: Plans begin to form and Angie makes her decision concerning Dean's deal. A load on the mind and for next time on Ghost Battle...