The phone tore Rory from her thoughts. Dean fumbled in his leather jacket for a moment then answered the call.

"Hey, Dad," he said in a good mood, obviously happy to hear from him. But whatever his father said sobered him down to short answers. "Yes, I got him. ... Yes, Sir. ... No, Sir, we won't. ... Yes, Sam did it. You can have his research when we see you. ... Okay. ... Bye, Dad."

Rory had listened quietly from the back seat. If Dean hadn't said it was their father she would have guessed it was his boss or maybe even someone from the army he was talking to. Sam didn't seem surprised though. He just looked at Dean annoyed. "I told you, I haven't done anything yet," he said.

"Well, start now," Dean replied shortly. For a moment there was an awkward silence between them. But when he spoke again his voice was soft. "We have another two days and we'll get Bobby to help us. We'll have it done by the time Dad arrives."

"We're going to Bobby's?" The way Sam smiled at that Rory knew it was good news. Sam obviously liked Bobby. "But Dean, I have to study for my test" Sam started again after a few moments of silence.

"Forget you're stupid test," Dean snapped. "New school, new tests. You won't have time for that anyway. Dad wants you to come with him on the next – job."

From the way Dean hesitated before the last word Rory knew it wasn't what he wanted to say. What was he hiding? Once again Rory wondered if it was something illegal. And what could be more important than school? The grades he got now would decide which college he would go to!

"I don't want to go," Sam complained. "Why can't you do it?"

"I don't know. Look, you know the drill. Dad wants you and you do what he says."

Sam didn't answer but Rory could tell, he wasn't happy with it. Whatever this job was, it didn't include tidying his room or taking out the trash.

Lost in her thoughts Rory did not pay attention where they went. But when they passed the town sign a surge of panic rushed through her. What had she done? She sat in the back of the car of a complete stranger who had just left town with her! The car picked up speed and only the sight of Sam in front of her kept her from shouting out. He sat cuddled in the passenger seat as if it was the sofa of his living room, either looking out of the window or glancing at his brother.

Rory swallowed to keep the panic out of her voice then asked carefully: "Where are we going?"

"We're just going to the motel to get Dean's stuff. If we check out before noon he doesn't have to pay for another day," Sam said before he turned around to look at her. "We'll take you to Luke's afterwards."