p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean pulls into a Gas n' Sip an hour into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Stopping for gas, anyone who needs to tinkle be quick."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey take him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBy the time he slips the nozzle into the tank they're both style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam is back first, alone, which is a little weird, but Dean/span span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"needs to piss more than he needs to know why they're not joined at the hip, so he nods and goes to take care of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"He goes inside after he finishes and catches a lucky style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWithout looking up from his paper the clerk says, "Coffee's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJust started my shift, so I made a new pot."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean hurries over, and sure enough, there's a fresh, almost full pot sitting on the burner./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Thanks man!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanPut me down for three."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe fills three cups, grabs a handful of creamers, and just barely manages to juggle his prizes to the counter without spilling style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe clerk, somehow indifferent and thoughtful, still doesn't look up, but has put out a drink style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean loads it up and goes back for candy and jerky./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When he gets to the car, Sam is in his usual spot, and B is huddled in the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean sighs as his good mood starts to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore he can start passing out liquid refreshment and treats, B speaks up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""So, was this the closest town with a bus station?" She continues to look down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Before Dean can answer, Sam speaks up, not looking at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Ready to go back to Montana huh?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Since I'm the one who almost got us killed, yeah."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean's mouth falls open and Sam's head whips around to look at her in confusion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Um, no." Dean answers first. "You just saved our lives…again. You're the best bit of good luck we've had in a long time."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam turns so he's almost sitting backwards, "B, why would you ever think I-we don't want you around?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She looks up at him through her bangs, "The coin?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe tracker that let the demons follow us and led to another showdown with Lilith?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDid you both forget it was in strongmy/strong pocket?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean shakes his head. When Sam meets his gaze they indulge in twin style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam moves the drink tray to the dashboard and Dean picks up the bag of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam gets out and open the back door. "B, get out here."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She raises an eyebrow, but climbs out beside style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam wraps his arms around style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The second time in your life a demon attacks you, you somehow have the presence of mind to kill it. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFrom the time it attacked to you knifing it, it couldn't have been more than five minutes."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Probably less, actually." Dean adds./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd then two more demons attacked, and we ran from the station."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I didn't even know that demons needed to track people, I thought they just knew where they style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've been carrying hex bags to hide ourselves ever since Ruby gave them to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter we re-negotiated with Lilith I thought we might still need them and got Mrs. S to check that they still worked."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""That must be why they attacked us at the hotel and not the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe coin probably didn't work in a MoL's cemetery./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean nods, "Either that or they were just really stupid demons."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe looks at B, "Bottom line sweetheart, the demon could have planted that coin on either of us and we wouldn't have known a thing." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"B looks up at Sam, but Dean notices that she doesn't pull style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Then why weren't you surprised when I asked about the bus station?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Because you almost got killed!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAgain!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYour sense of self-preservation is worse than Dean's!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Although I gotta say, using bleach to attack the person possessed, was fucking smart!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm going to have to remember that!" Dean grins at her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She looks between them. "I had to negotiate with Lilith, I sure can't fight style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt looked like she was going to kill you and Dean was probably next!" She turns away again. "She showed up because you were in danger of getting style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe only backed off when she saw the coin."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean and Sam both style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That's not style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe coin made her realize we still had a chance to follow the deal, but you talking to her is what made her stop trying to rip out Sammy's guts."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We want you with us baby, I promise." Sam cups her face in his hands and bends down to kiss her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean ducks behind the wheel and shuts his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnother emotional crisis averted, thank style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAt least his coffee's still warm./span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Just outside Lebanon, Kansas Dean stops at a truck stop that does shower style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLiving in the privileged high tower of academia I had no idea this was even a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanA vending machine on the wall dispenses shampoo, soap, and other amenities including disposable shower style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI do not want to think about why such things are necessary, but don't question it, and feed $1.50 into the slot./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"The hot spray washes off the extra stinky fear sweat and road style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI hustle through my usual routine and use the rest of the time for strategic style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI turn off the water with a full two minutes left on the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanGo me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When I join the guys in the adjacent diner I'm wearing my nicest sweater and my best style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam and Dean look like they just stepped out of an advertisement for a fancy ski lodge or an extended holiday family gathering. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Aspen called, they want their clothes back."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean looks at me over his newspaper, "Aspen can kiss my style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBesides, they look better on me than they do on some Chad or Warner dude."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We need to be dressed up, but not anything official, it scares people off." Sam explains./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Official?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIs there a 'loyal order of monster hunters' you guys haven't told me about?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe just…sometimes we have to…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Sometimes we have to be authority figures to get our foot in the door." Dean rolls his eyes at Sam, who looks at the ceiling while his ears turn pink./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Really?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou guys play dress-up in order to hunt ghosts?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLike what?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Liiiikke, reporters, or distant relatives or you know…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've done state police, federal marshals, homeland security, and just recently FBI." While Sam continues to look away, Dean style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe's both abashed and full of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Oh that's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou guys couldn't pull off FBI!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou may BE older than 25, but you don't look it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""People see what you show them." Sam says, "And size matters."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I look at the two of them, almost too big for the table and chairs they're sitting style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI imagine them in dark suits and ties, and realize strongno one/strong is going to question them./span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Larry Ganem's house blends in with its style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's painted an unoffensive style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt looks like the other houses in the neighborhood except it's less interesting./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Wow." Dean says, "Talk about hiding in plain style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI bet even the Mormons pass this place by."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Do you suppose the MoL's got a hold of the Doctor's perception filter?" Sam asks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Seems style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWas there a house there?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI could have sworn…" I share a grin with Sam./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Nerds." Dean shakes his head at us and leads us to the front style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe rings the bell, and before anyone else can make another smart remark, a little old woman opens the door and looks up at us with interest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""My goodness!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou kids took your vitamins while you were growing up didn't you!?" She smiles around at us, not the least bit intimidated by finding herself in the land of giants./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean opens his mouth to spin a yarn, but Sam cuts him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hello, I'm Sam, this is Dean, and this is style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe're hoping to talk to Tom Carey."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean flashes Sam a filthy look, then turns back to the woman with his most charming smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She shakes her head and rolls her eyes with an amused smile on her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Larry there are some young people here to see you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Who are they?" An older male voice asks from within the house./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Sam, Dean and B" She says./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Winchester." Dean adds./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Silence greets this word for a full style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen Ganem's voice, filled with trouble, calls out style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Bring them in, Margie."/span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Ganem's wife ushers us into a comfortable-looking living room with old-fashioned furniture and a stronglot/strong of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLarry stands up from an easy chair and holds out his hand, but doesn't look at any of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe stares at the ceiling, and when we get close, I see that both his eyes are cloudy and not focused on anything./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""So, Henry's son had children, that's good to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was very intelligent, and generous of spirit."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam and I shake his hand, but Dean stands in front of him looking pissed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Too bad he wasn't more generous with his family, he left our grandma high and dry, and his son was only five years old."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"To his credit, Ganem doesn't flinch at Dean's harsh style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Yes, he should have made better provision for them, but protections from demons were in place, and all the knights of hell were supposed to be dead."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe man lowers himself into his chair with only a slight grimace./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Before he can say anything else, Margie asks, "Would you kids like coffee or tea?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've got hot chocolate too."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe gestures to the sofa, and we sit in a row, even though Dean fidgets like a dog who sees the mailman./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I'm pretty sure any of those would make me hurl, but I answer style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"No thank you ma'am, we just had breakfast."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe guys decline, and Dean throttles it back a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanTo give him more time to cool down I ask, "A knight of hell?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've read a lot about demons, and I've never heard of a knight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""They're more commonly referred to as princes of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey were lesser angels who joined Lucifer in his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHeaven and hell have fought several battles since the fall, most accounts say that in one battle or another, the princes were style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOur protections were strong enough for the most powerful demons, but we didn't think we needed protection against fallen angels."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Margie returns to the room with coffee AND tea, and cookies at this style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOne of the mugs is already full and she places it in Larry's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean's eyes stray to the cookies and before any of us can refuse again, Margie fills another of the mis-matched mugs on the tray and asks Dean if he wants cream and sugar./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Black is fine, thank you." He takes the mug, gives her his level five smile, and snags two style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI accept coffee as style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI can't decide if I want to dissolve from embarrassment, or burst with love for Dean and his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam saves me from style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Then you were attacked by a knight of hell?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMargie was thinking ahead when she assembled her tray, the mug she hands to Sam is half again as big as the one she gives me. When I look at Sam's mug and smile at her, she winks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Yes, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThere is some question in the lore as to whether she is a fallen angel or a created demon, but after her attack, my money is on angel." He doesn't drink his coffee, but holds the mug close. "She possessed Josie Sands at some point before the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen she walked into the room, we were set to create her the first female MoL's in several style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAbaddon knew that and killed David style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHer attack blinded style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI could hear her behind me torturing Ted, so when Henry burst into the room, I handed him the key and told him she must not get style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe ran and Abaddon ran after style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe room was already burning so I stumbled down the hallway to get style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs I passed by one of the storage rooms, I could feel spellwork on the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat's when I knew we'd all be safe for a while at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI made my way out of the building just as the fire trucks arrived."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We'd all be safe for a while?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhat, from Abaddon?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHenry must have done a time travel spell into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've been expecting him or his son for almost 50 years, but either there was a minor flaw in how he cast his spell, or his aim was off."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""His aim?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou can emaim/em a time-travel spell?" Dean asks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I didn't even know there emwere/em time-travel spells." Sam says./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""How do you kids know that demons and spells exist, but not know about any particulars?" Larry tilts his head as if trying to look each of us in the eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"A long moment of silence greets this question until Dean places his mug in the precise center of the nearest coaster and sits up style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen he speaks his voice is as flat as a nervous soprano' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Because…when Henry didn't come home, his wife was left with no style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWith no information, she had to have him declared dead and then raise our dad style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe grew up thinking his father abandoned style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd after surviving a terrible war, he married a nice girl and then watched her burn on the ceiling when a demon murdered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe became a hunter and raised us on the road so he could find the thing that killed our mom, and keep us safe and style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe demon got him after all, but we're alive and fighting because of him." He growls out the last part and I don't blame him one bit./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"During this speech Sam sits up straight beside his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI set down my mug and rescue Sam's from his shaking style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe grabs for my hand, and I give it to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI expect him to try to sooth Dean, but that's not what happens. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""You knew that at the very least, Henry led Abaddon style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe saved your life, this precious key you were protecting didn't fall into her hands, and yet you did NOTHING for his family!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOur father grew up hating his father!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanA-a-and Mrs. S never knew what happened to her dad!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe had to find out all on her own." He releases me, stands, and paces to the other side of the room and back while dragging his hands through his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"How could you be so callous?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSo thoughtless!"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe looks at Dean, "The one or two times he mentioned his father he was so hurt!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe never knew his dad was a fucking hero!"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe stumbles past everyone and out the front style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean is just a step behind him./span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I stand to follow, trying to swallow tears, but Larry grabs my wrist in an iron grip before I can get past him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Who is Mrs. S?" He all but demands. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I very much want to punch style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"She's the head librarian at the University of Montana at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe's also the daughter of Ted style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe got no notification of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSince he hated to use the phone, he was dead for more than a week before she knew what happened to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFor 50 years she's stayed in her heavily warded house and library because she had no way of knowing what killed her father, whether it was still out there, and what she could do about it."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis hand goes limp around my wrist./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Going to the front windows, I can see the guys pacing back and forth through the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey don't appear to be upset with each other, so I go back to the living room./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When I resume my seat, Margie is clearing everything style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe pats her husband on the shoulder and turns to me, "You don't realize what it was like in the 50's for a man suddenly gone blind."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Don't make excuses for me, dear, they have a right to be angry."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""They weren't there!" She looks at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"He couldn't get across the street!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanNo one would listen to him!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe couldn't style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOvernight I had to get a job, and yet had to be at home as much as possible to take care of him for the first six style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe didn't know if the demon was going to pop up any minute or what!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"The guys walk back in while she's still style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen they stop beside me she turns angry eyes on style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"What should he have told your grandmother?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span'I don't think your husband is dead, but if he's not he's gone to the future and a demon is chasing him so you should pray you never see him again anyway?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean and Sam, who both had clearly decided what they were going to say stand there style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore either of them can backtrack, Larry speaks up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I should have gone to see your style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI should have made something up so at least the boy knew his father didn't abandon him by choice." He raises his face towards them, "For that, I am truly sorry."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe turns towards me, "I certainly should have called style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf she hadn't been married at the time it would have been her instead of Josie we were style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe certainly knew enough to understand what happened." He sighs, shaking his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I was…so lost, so style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBy the time we got our lives back together, Millie had moved style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI looked, but she left no forwarding address."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""It's probably a good thing it was Josie instead of Mrs. S, she probably knew far more about the inner workings of the MoL." I say, uncomfortable still with calling her Helena, "As soon as she realized her interests and the guys' dovetailed, she sent us to Illinois to see if we could find the MoL's library."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""That went up in the fire too, I suppose." Dean looks resigned, Sam looks pissed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Larry shakes his head, "The bunker, no, but I gave Josie's key to Henry to keep her from opening the place." He chuckles, "Ah, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe could keep a secret like no one could unless it was from his daughter."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam drops to one knee, grabbing Larry's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The bunker is still there?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Yes, of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's here in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat's why Margie and I moved here, to be close to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI set a spell on the door to alert me in case someone tried to access the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMy key and those of the others were lost to the fire, so there's no way to get in."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam and Dean's heads whip towards me, and I get to know exactly how Cinderella felt when she pulled the glass slipper out of her pocket as I place Ted Bowen's key in Larry's hands./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"He goes inside after he finishes and catches a lucky style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWithout looking up from his paper the clerk says, "Coffee's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanJust started my shift, so I made a new pot."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean hurries over, and sure enough, there's a fresh, almost full pot sitting on the burner./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Thanks man!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanPut me down for three."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe fills three cups, grabs a handful of creamers, and just barely manages to juggle his prizes to the counter without spilling style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe clerk, somehow indifferent and thoughtful, still doesn't look up, but has put out a drink style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean loads it up and goes back for candy and jerky./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When he gets to the car, Sam is in his usual spot, and B is huddled in the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean sighs as his good mood starts to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore he can start passing out liquid refreshment and treats, B speaks up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""So, was this the closest town with a bus station?" She continues to look down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Before Dean can answer, Sam speaks up, not looking at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Ready to go back to Montana huh?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Since I'm the one who almost got us killed, yeah."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean's mouth falls open and Sam's head whips around to look at her in confusion./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Um, no." Dean answers first. "You just saved our lives…again. You're the best bit of good luck we've had in a long time."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam turns so he's almost sitting backwards, "B, why would you ever think I-we don't want you around?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She looks up at him through her bangs, "The coin?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe tracker that let the demons follow us and led to another showdown with Lilith?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDid you both forget it was in strongmy/strong pocket?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean shakes his head. When Sam meets his gaze they indulge in twin style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam moves the drink tray to the dashboard and Dean picks up the bag of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam gets out and open the back door. "B, get out here."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She raises an eyebrow, but climbs out beside style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam wraps his arms around style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The second time in your life a demon attacks you, you somehow have the presence of mind to kill it. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFrom the time it attacked to you knifing it, it couldn't have been more than five minutes."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Probably less, actually." Dean adds./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd then two more demons attacked, and we ran from the station."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I didn't even know that demons needed to track people, I thought they just knew where they style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've been carrying hex bags to hide ourselves ever since Ruby gave them to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAfter we re-negotiated with Lilith I thought we might still need them and got Mrs. S to check that they still worked."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""That must be why they attacked us at the hotel and not the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe coin probably didn't work in a MoL's cemetery./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean nods, "Either that or they were just really stupid demons."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe looks at B, "Bottom line sweetheart, the demon could have planted that coin on either of us and we wouldn't have known a thing." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"B looks up at Sam, but Dean notices that she doesn't pull style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Then why weren't you surprised when I asked about the bus station?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Because you almost got killed!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAgain!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYour sense of self-preservation is worse than Dean's!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Although I gotta say, using bleach to attack the person possessed, was fucking smart!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI'm going to have to remember that!" Dean grins at her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She looks between them. "I had to negotiate with Lilith, I sure can't fight style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt looked like she was going to kill you and Dean was probably next!" She turns away again. "She showed up because you were in danger of getting style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe only backed off when she saw the coin."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean and Sam both style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That's not style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe coin made her realize we still had a chance to follow the deal, but you talking to her is what made her stop trying to rip out Sammy's guts."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We want you with us baby, I promise." Sam cups her face in his hands and bends down to kiss her./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean ducks behind the wheel and shuts his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnother emotional crisis averted, thank style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAt least his coffee's still warm./span/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Just outside Lebanon, Kansas Dean stops at a truck stop that does shower style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLiving in the privileged high tower of academia I had no idea this was even a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanA vending machine on the wall dispenses shampoo, soap, and other amenities including disposable shower style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI do not want to think about why such things are necessary, but don't question it, and feed $1.50 into the slot./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"The hot spray washes off the extra stinky fear sweat and road style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI hustle through my usual routine and use the rest of the time for strategic style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI turn off the water with a full two minutes left on the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanGo me./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When I join the guys in the adjacent diner I'm wearing my nicest sweater and my best style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam and Dean look like they just stepped out of an advertisement for a fancy ski lodge or an extended holiday family gathering. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Aspen called, they want their clothes back."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean looks at me over his newspaper, "Aspen can kiss my style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBesides, they look better on me than they do on some Chad or Warner dude."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We need to be dressed up, but not anything official, it scares people off." Sam explains./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Official?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIs there a 'loyal order of monster hunters' you guys haven't told me about?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe just…sometimes we have to…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Sometimes we have to be authority figures to get our foot in the door." Dean rolls his eyes at Sam, who looks at the ceiling while his ears turn pink./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Really?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou guys play dress-up in order to hunt ghosts?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLike what?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Liiiikke, reporters, or distant relatives or you know…"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe've done state police, federal marshals, homeland security, and just recently FBI." While Sam continues to look away, Dean style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe's both abashed and full of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Oh that's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou guys couldn't pull off FBI!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou may BE older than 25, but you don't look it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""People see what you show them." Sam says, "And size matters."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I look at the two of them, almost too big for the table and chairs they're sitting style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI imagine them in dark suits and ties, and realize strongno one/strong is going to question them./span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Larry Ganem's house blends in with its style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's painted an unoffensive style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt looks like the other houses in the neighborhood except it's less interesting./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Wow." Dean says, "Talk about hiding in plain style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI bet even the Mormons pass this place by."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Do you suppose the MoL's got a hold of the Doctor's perception filter?" Sam asks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Seems style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWas there a house there?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI could have sworn…" I share a grin with Sam./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Nerds." Dean shakes his head at us and leads us to the front style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe rings the bell, and before anyone else can make another smart remark, a little old woman opens the door and looks up at us with interest./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""My goodness!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou kids took your vitamins while you were growing up didn't you!?" She smiles around at us, not the least bit intimidated by finding herself in the land of giants./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean opens his mouth to spin a yarn, but Sam cuts him style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Hello, I'm Sam, this is Dean, and this is style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe're hoping to talk to Tom Carey."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean flashes Sam a filthy look, then turns back to the woman with his most charming smile./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"She shakes her head and rolls her eyes with an amused smile on her style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Larry there are some young people here to see you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Who are they?" An older male voice asks from within the house./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Sam, Dean and B" She says./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Winchester." Dean adds./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Silence greets this word for a full style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThen Ganem's voice, filled with trouble, calls out style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Bring them in, Margie."/span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;" /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Ganem's wife ushers us into a comfortable-looking living room with old-fashioned furniture and a stronglot/strong of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanLarry stands up from an easy chair and holds out his hand, but doesn't look at any of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe stares at the ceiling, and when we get close, I see that both his eyes are cloudy and not focused on anything./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""So, Henry's son had children, that's good to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe was very intelligent, and generous of spirit."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSam and I shake his hand, but Dean stands in front of him looking pissed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Too bad he wasn't more generous with his family, he left our grandma high and dry, and his son was only five years old."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"To his credit, Ganem doesn't flinch at Dean's harsh style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Yes, he should have made better provision for them, but protections from demons were in place, and all the knights of hell were supposed to be dead."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe man lowers himself into his chair with only a slight grimace./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Before he can say anything else, Margie asks, "Would you kids like coffee or tea?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've got hot chocolate too."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe gestures to the sofa, and we sit in a row, even though Dean fidgets like a dog who sees the mailman./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I'm pretty sure any of those would make me hurl, but I answer style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"No thank you ma'am, we just had breakfast."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe guys decline, and Dean throttles it back a style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanTo give him more time to cool down I ask, "A knight of hell?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've read a lot about demons, and I've never heard of a knight."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""They're more commonly referred to as princes of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey were lesser angels who joined Lucifer in his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHeaven and hell have fought several battles since the fall, most accounts say that in one battle or another, the princes were style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOur protections were strong enough for the most powerful demons, but we didn't think we needed protection against fallen angels."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Margie returns to the room with coffee AND tea, and cookies at this style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOne of the mugs is already full and she places it in Larry's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean's eyes stray to the cookies and before any of us can refuse again, Margie fills another of the mis-matched mugs on the tray and asks Dean if he wants cream and sugar./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Black is fine, thank you." He takes the mug, gives her his level five smile, and snags two style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI accept coffee as style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI can't decide if I want to dissolve from embarrassment, or burst with love for Dean and his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam saves me from style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Then you were attacked by a knight of hell?"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMargie was thinking ahead when she assembled her tray, the mug she hands to Sam is half again as big as the one she gives me. When I look at Sam's mug and smile at her, she winks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Yes, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThere is some question in the lore as to whether she is a fallen angel or a created demon, but after her attack, my money is on angel." He doesn't drink his coffee, but holds the mug close. "She possessed Josie Sands at some point before the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen she walked into the room, we were set to create her the first female MoL's in several style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAbaddon knew that and killed David style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHer attack blinded style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI could hear her behind me torturing Ted, so when Henry burst into the room, I handed him the key and told him she must not get style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe ran and Abaddon ran after style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe room was already burning so I stumbled down the hallway to get style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAs I passed by one of the storage rooms, I could feel spellwork on the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat's when I knew we'd all be safe for a while at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI made my way out of the building just as the fire trucks arrived."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""We'd all be safe for a while?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhat, from Abaddon?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHenry must have done a time travel spell into the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI've been expecting him or his son for almost 50 years, but either there was a minor flaw in how he cast his spell, or his aim was off."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""His aim?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanYou can emaim/em a time-travel spell?" Dean asks./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I didn't even know there emwere/em time-travel spells." Sam says./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""How do you kids know that demons and spells exist, but not know about any particulars?" Larry tilts his head as if trying to look each of us in the eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"A long moment of silence greets this question until Dean places his mug in the precise center of the nearest coaster and sits up style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen he speaks his voice is as flat as a nervous soprano' style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"Because…when Henry didn't come home, his wife was left with no style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWith no information, she had to have him declared dead and then raise our dad style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe grew up thinking his father abandoned style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanAnd after surviving a terrible war, he married a nice girl and then watched her burn on the ceiling when a demon murdered style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe became a hunter and raised us on the road so he could find the thing that killed our mom, and keep us safe and style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe demon got him after all, but we're alive and fighting because of him." He growls out the last part and I don't blame him one bit./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"During this speech Sam sits up straight beside his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI set down my mug and rescue Sam's from his shaking style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe grabs for my hand, and I give it to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI expect him to try to sooth Dean, but that's not what happens. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""You knew that at the very least, Henry led Abaddon style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe saved your life, this precious key you were protecting didn't fall into her hands, and yet you did NOTHING for his family!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOur father grew up hating his father!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanA-a-and Mrs. S never knew what happened to her dad!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe had to find out all on her own." He releases me, stands, and paces to the other side of the room and back while dragging his hands through his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"How could you be so callous?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSo thoughtless!"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe looks at Dean, "The one or two times he mentioned his father he was so hurt!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe never knew his dad was a fucking hero!"span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe stumbles past everyone and out the front style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanDean is just a step behind him./span/p
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p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I stand to follow, trying to swallow tears, but Larry grabs my wrist in an iron grip before I can get past him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Who is Mrs. S?" He all but demands. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"I very much want to punch style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"She's the head librarian at the University of Montana at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe's also the daughter of Ted style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe got no notification of his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanSince he hated to use the phone, he was dead for more than a week before she knew what happened to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanFor 50 years she's stayed in her heavily warded house and library because she had no way of knowing what killed her father, whether it was still out there, and what she could do about it."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHis hand goes limp around my wrist./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Going to the front windows, I can see the guys pacing back and forth through the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThey don't appear to be upset with each other, so I go back to the living room./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"When I resume my seat, Margie is clearing everything style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe pats her husband on the shoulder and turns to me, "You don't realize what it was like in the 50's for a man suddenly gone blind."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Don't make excuses for me, dear, they have a right to be angry."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""They weren't there!" She looks at style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"He couldn't get across the street!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanNo one would listen to him!span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe couldn't style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanOvernight I had to get a job, and yet had to be at home as much as possible to take care of him for the first six style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWe didn't know if the demon was going to pop up any minute or what!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"The guys walk back in while she's still style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanWhen they stop beside me she turns angry eyes on style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"What should he have told your grandmother?span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span'I don't think your husband is dead, but if he's not he's gone to the future and a demon is chasing him so you should pray you never see him again anyway?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Dean and Sam, who both had clearly decided what they were going to say stand there style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBefore either of them can backtrack, Larry speaks up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""I should have gone to see your style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI should have made something up so at least the boy knew his father didn't abandon him by choice." He raises his face towards them, "For that, I am truly sorry."span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe turns towards me, "I certainly should have called style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIf she hadn't been married at the time it would have been her instead of Josie we were style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanShe certainly knew enough to understand what happened." He sighs, shaking his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I was…so lost, so style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBy the time we got our lives back together, Millie had moved style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI looked, but she left no forwarding address."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""It's probably a good thing it was Josie instead of Mrs. S, she probably knew far more about the inner workings of the MoL." I say, uncomfortable still with calling her Helena, "As soon as she realized her interests and the guys' dovetailed, she sent us to Illinois to see if we could find the MoL's library."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""That went up in the fire too, I suppose." Dean looks resigned, Sam looks pissed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Larry shakes his head, "The bunker, no, but I gave Josie's key to Henry to keep her from opening the place." He chuckles, "Ah, style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe could keep a secret like no one could unless it was from his daughter."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam drops to one knee, grabbing Larry's style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"The bunker is still there?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;""Yes, of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanIt's here in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThat's why Margie and I moved here, to be close to style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanI set a spell on the door to alert me in case someone tried to access the style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanMy key and those of the others were lost to the fire, so there's no way to get in."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Abadi',sans-serif;"Sam and Dean's heads whip towards me, and I get to know exactly how Cinderella felt when she pulled the glass slipper out of her pocket as I place Ted Bowen's key in Larry's hands./span/p