John and Dean stood as the officers entered the small hospital conference room, both torn between wanting to hear the news and wanting to get back to Sam.
"Well, what can you tell us?" John asked.
"Let's sit." the older officer suggested, taking a seat at the small table and motioning his partner to do the same.
Both Winchesters sat down and gazed at the officers expectantly.
"None of the remaining flax seed in stock at Dugan's was affected. We obtained a search warrant and looked the place over, but no sign of Ketamine powder either."
"So what happens now?" Dean demanded, wanting justice.
"Just hang on there, son. I wasn't finished." The man held up a hand. "The next step was questioning the employees and anyone who had access to the store's inventory. That included the owner, Mrs. Dugan, and three part-time employees: Ralph Middy, Taylor Hocking, and Leslie Benigan …"
But that was as far as he got. Both John and Dean were on their feet, eyes blazing. "That white-hot bitch!" Dean exploded.
Both officers rose to their feet in surprise, frowns evident.
John's fury bordered on lethal. "I have a restraining order against Leslie Benigan on behalf of my son. You should know that. How do you not know that?"
"If you'll calm down and take a deep breath, I'd like to finish." The officer said coldly. "We're well aware of your son's history with Leslie Benigan - the civil suit. We're also aware that she was charged with the murder of Jorge Martinez and acquitted."
"Who's Jorge Martinez?"
"You may have known him as George Martin. You used to work for him, I believe."
John nodded. "So? Do you have her in custody?"
The man sat back down, shaking his head. "We don't, unfortunately. A search of her apartment turned up Ketamine powder - the same type that was found in the flax seed. Ms. Benigan, however, seems to have disappeared."
John stared, dumbfounded.
"But you know she did this, right?" Dean asked, red-faced. "She's not getting away this time?"
The officer nodded, "That's what it's looking like. There's a warrant out for her arrest. I should warn you though, it appears she has some pretty powerful ties."
John's eyes narrowed, "What kind of ties?"
"Ties to organized crime. We're certain she knows how to disappear, but we're doing everything we can to find her. We're hoping you can help us?"
John shook his head. "The last time I saw her was in court. We're not exactly keeping company after she tried to kill my son."
"Why is she so fixated on Sam Winchester?" the younger officer asked.
John shrugged. "You'd have to ask her. We … we dated for awhile. I think maybe she saw Sam as a threat?"
"Just Sam? Not your other son?"
Dean spoke up. "I can take care of myself. Sam's just a kid. She didn't want to be bothered with him."
"She said that?"
"No. But she alluded to it."
"In what way?"
"She said Dad was close-mouthed. That she didn't know he even had sons til later. Then she told me some story about how Samuel Colt had a brother who'd killed himself. She said the family was the better for it. Creepy as shit." Dean shuddered. "She was downright hostile to Sam sometimes - accused him of thinking she was trying to poison him." Dean paused, realizing what he'd just said. "Holy shit. I guess she was."
"So if Ms. Benigan only had a problem with Sam, how did she know neither of you would ingest the flaxseed?"
Dean's eyes widened. "We … Sam and me … we argued about it a few times. He wanted me to try it. I said it looked like dirt and probably tasted worse. Said I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Said Dad wouldn't either."
The officer nodded, "She was present at the time?"
"Yeah."
"All right. I think we have enough for now. Unless either of you have an idea of where she might be?"
Both Winchesters shook their heads.
"Okay then, we'll be in touch." They nodded and exited.
Dean turned to his father. "She's still after him, Dad? What the hell is her problem?"
But John's mind was far away. He patted Dean on the shoulder, heading for the door. "Son, you head back to Sam, okay? There's something I have to do."
And he was gone.