"We're not going with them."

The receptionist arches an eyebrow. Sam's big brother is one of the ballsiest kids she's ever met. "I don't think it's optional. They said that – "

"Chelsea..." Maya says, trying to stop the woman from digging a deeper hole. "Give us a minute?"

"Sure. What should I tell the detective and CPS?"

"Tell them we need a minute!" Maya doesn't mean to snap, but her patience is running thin...and time is running out. "Thank you," she adds, softening the blow as Chelsea closes the door.

"We're not going with them."

"I heard you the first time," Maya replies, turning to face Dean; not surprised that Sam has once again crawled into his lap. She sighs. "Listen. I know it sucks, but CPS has a job to do."

"So do I."

Three words shouldn't slice so deeply into Maya's heart, but she hears the message behind them – that Dean's job is to take care of his little brother, to protect the kid clinging to him like a baby koala. She snorts at the comparison as her eyes sting with unshed tears, torn between doing what's expected...and doing what's right.

Although she's only known them for a few hours, Maya knows these brothers will not survive without each other. CPS doesn't always separate siblings, but is that a risk she's willing to take? Is she strong enough to watch strangers drag Sam away from Dean? Is the hospital equipped to handle Dean's reaction to such a scenario?

From the moment they met, Maya has sensed a simmering rage in Sam's big brother. Not that she blames him. If she had endured years of abuse at the hands of her father, maybe she would be dangerous, too – like a volcano ready to erupt. Sam is fragile like a cracked vase, but Dean...

He's fragile like a bomb.

One wrong move and –

Maya swallows as Dean stares at her now. She knows he would never be violent with Sam, but she doubts that applies to anyone else.

"There's a place we can go where we'll be safe."

Maya tilts her head, aware that he may be manipulating her but eager to take the bait. She wants these kids to stay together. "Where?"

"Our uncle's house."

"Your dad's brother?"

Dean smirks, imagining Bobby's reaction to that. "No."

"Your dad knows where he lives, though."

"He does," Dean confirms. "But don't worry about that."

Maya pulls a face. "Don't worry about you seeking shelter in a location your dad can easily find?"

"Uncle Bobby doesn't like our dad."

Maya smiles despite the tense conversation; it's the most she's heard Sam say the entire time he's been here. She glances at Dean. "Is that true?"

"It's an understatement," Dean tells her, knowing Bobby would welcome a reason – and an opportunity – to kick John's ass...or do something more permanent. After all, their dad isn't the only hunter who knows how to make people disappear.

"You promise you'll be safe there?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"Forever."

Maya smiles again at Sam's contribution to the conversation as Dean smiles as well, knowing his kid isn't wrong. Bobby will let them stay at Singer Salvage as long as they want.

There's a beat of silence.

"I could lose my job over this."

"I could lose my brother."

Maya nods because she knows Dean is right; but more than that, she knows she can't be the cause of their separation. She can't be the reason this 12-year-old child is ripped from his big brother's arms. Dean is the only stability Sam has ever known, and she won't deny him that. She won't deny him the love and protection that only his big brother can provide. She bent the rules once already for these brothers, so why not bend them again?

"You know what?" Maya lifts her chin, resolved to do whatever it takes to get these kids out of here – together. "Screw it."

Dean twitches a hopeful smile at the familiar statement. "Does that mean – "

"It means I can find another job. But you only have one Sammy."

Sam scowls at the unauthorized use of his nickname. "Only Dean gets to call me that."

Dean ruffles his little brother's hair and stands, setting the kid on his feet. "What's the plan? Are you running interference or – "

"Yes. I'll be the distraction." Maya unclips her badge, handing it to Dean. "This will grant you access to any door in the ER. There's an employee exit out the back. You'll take a right in the hallway, then a left, then another right...then swipe and go. You'll have to circle around to the patient's parking lot."

Dean nods. "I'll leave your badge outside the door."

"Yeah, okay. That works. That'll make my story more believable."

"Your story?"

"That you stole my badge and escaped."

Dean laughs as Maya shrugs her apology, wondering if she knows how accurate that story would be if she hadn't agreed to help them.

"Go straight to your uncle's house."

"We will," Dean promises, planning to haul ass to Sioux Falls and lay low. It's unlikely the hospital will be able to track them since he lied about everything except their first names on the forms he completed, but he's not willing to take any chances.

"Make sure to ice Sam's arm and keep it elevated. Make sure to keep the splint tight but not too tight. Make sure Sam eats before giving him the pain meds. And make sure to visit another hospital in a few days to get that cast." Maya pauses. "I think that's it. Any questions?"

"No. Just...thank you."

"You're welcome," Maya replies as Sam reaches for his brother; his small hand disappearing in Dean's larger grasp. She smiles, confident she's making the right decision. No one loves these kids like they love each other...and no one should be allowed to separate them. "Take care of yourself. And him."

"I always do."

To be continued...maybe. I'm honestly not sure with this one. Sometimes I think I'm done with it, but then sometimes I think "just one more chapter." So...we'll see.