Chapter 9

Caleb walked across the dusty road and stepped onto the narrow walkway outside the warehouse, leaving Dean resting in the house across the street. "This place is the armpit of Nevada," he muttered. Dust hung heavy in the air and grit clung to every part of his sweaty body. He couldn't wait to get back to Kentucky. Glancing at his watch, he sighed. It already seemed like hours since he'd dosed Emanuel with Joshua's potion early that morning. They'd been out of Vegas by nine and at Chen and Emanuel's campsite by noon. Now it was nearly three in the afternoon, and he felt like he'd been awake for days. Pulling out his cell, he hit one of his speed dial numbers.

"Michael Foster."

"Hey Michael," Caleb said. "Where are you?"

"Getting ready to land at the Tonopah Airport. They're letting me refuel, for a price, and rent a hanger for the afternoon."

"Good job. Sorry to drag you from Yosemite to Vegas and back to Tonopah."

"All part of the glamorous life," Michael quipped.

Caleb chuckled. "I hope we'll be out of here in a few hours. I want to be home tonight."

"Will do. I'll catch a little shut eye while I'm waiting."

"I'll call when we're on the way," Caleb said before he hung up. Next he called Onida.

"Are you on the way home?" Onida asked.

"Soon, but not yet," Caleb said. "Are you home, or still at the farm?"

"We're at the farm," Onida said. "Ben, Maya and the kids left for home a little while ago, which has Nicky upset. But having Tris and Kaven around helps."

Caleb smiled. "Wish I was there."

"Me too," Onida said. "But I've got something special for you when you get back."

Caleb felt a tickle of rosy red warmth go through his body. "Hey, no teasing till I get there." Onida's laughter drifted across the connection. "We found Chen alive."

"Really? I'm so glad!"

"Please let Juliet know. Dean said she was fond of Chen. She'll be glad to know he's alive."

"I will," Onida said, a smile still gracing her face. "What a rescue."

"Joshua's the hero. At first it looked like Chen was gone, but Josh did his woowoo mojo and now he's alive."

Onida snorted out a laugh. "Woowoo mojo? Don't let him hear you say that."

"Which is why I only say that to you. Where are the boys?"

"Outside playing on the swing," Onida said, stepping outside the backdoor and into the yard.

"Don't go and get them," Caleb said, knowing Onida was planning on doing that. "I'm hoping to be home by tonight and I'll see them then. If I can't get back, I'll call tonight and talk with them."

"You sure? They miss you."

"I miss them, and you, too." Caleb glanced up as the door to the large warehouse building opened and Joel stuck his head outside. Holding up one finger, he said to Onida, "I've got to go. The sooner we finish this, the sooner we'll get home."

"Then quit wasting time," Onida said. "Come home safe."

As she hung up, Caleb felt a wave of golden heat warm his body, then slip away. See you soon, he thought through their connection. Turning, he pushed open the door to the warehouse and walked inside.

James growled as he slammed shut the book he'd been reading. "It's impossible."

JT looked up. "Since I saw it, it's not impossible."

"I can't find anything that is corporeal and incorporeal. They're all either one or the other. Ghost, Specters, Shadows, Allips, Dybbuks, Poltergeists," James eyed his brother, "I could go on…"

"Please do," Max stated in bored tone. "We can't wait to hear more."

Ryker looked up briefly, then turned his attention back to the book he'd been reading, his lips quirking in amusement.

James gave Max a peeved look the other man wasn't looking up to see. "I'm just saying we need more to go on."

JT ran his fingers through his short, blond hair and slumped back in his chair. "You have what I have. I saw something that looked like a shadow, then it was suddenly solid and picked up the lamia, then went shadow again and disappeared. It didn't move away, didn't run through the woods, didn't go into the water – it just went immaterial and disappeared, taking the lamia with it."

James swallowed his frustration. He knew JT and knew his brother had given them everything he could. "Okay, you saw something we haven't heard of before. The Brotherhood researchers haven't come up with anything yet. Where else can we go for unusual creature information?"

"How about contacting Elijah Matthews?" Max said.

James shook his head. "He's dealing with end of term. He's not going to have time to work on this, not for a couple weeks yet."

"He deals in Ancient Studies," Ryker interjected. "He has to know people who deal in myths and ancient creatures, maybe someone who works in the Middle East? Spoken lore is abundant. Does he know anyone who can help?"

"It's worth a try," James said, rising. "I'll give him a call." Pulling his cell from his pocket, he stepped out of the Tomb to talk.

Max eyed JT. After a moment, he said, "I know you're curious about this … whatever it is, but this isn't a hunt, right?"

Fighting his own frustration, JT pushed himself out of his chair and paced around the Tomb. "No. At least not officially, yet. But when I saw this thing…" he shook his head. "It's important. I don't know how I know it is, but it is."

"All right," Max said with finality. "Good enough for me."

"Me as well," Ryker agreed. "Though if a hunt comes up, we'll need to go."

"Agreed," JT said.

James walked back in, saying, "Elijah is going to arrange for a video chat with Doctor Fadi Issa from the University of Jordan. According to Elijah, there's no one who knows more about ancient cultures than Doctor Issa. He's made it a life's work to record oral traditions in nomadic groups so their knowledge isn't lost."

"Did Elijah know anything about a creature like this?" JT asked.

"I asked, but he said he'd never heard of anything like that. But he said he'd do some digging with University resources when he gets the chance."

JT nodded, feeling buoyed with the sensation they were making some headway. The patter of small feet had him turning to the doorway. Nicholas stood here, a forlorn look on his face. With Joshua and Dean gone, Nicholas looked to JT and Max to provide a sense of security when he felt the need for one of the two older men.

Max immediately rose from his chair and held out his arms. Nicholas ran into them and laid his head against Max's shoulder. "Hey, little bro," he said, smiling. "Are you having fun outside?"

Nicholas nodded, though he didn't look up.

Glancing up at the clock on the wall, he was surprised to see they'd been in the Tomb for almost three hours. "Looks like its past lunchtime. Did you get something to eat yet?" He felt the small head shake on his shoulder. "How about we get some lunch and ice cream, then I'll push you on the swing. Sound like a plan?"

Finally the young boy looked up and nodded. Looking over at JT, he reached out a hand.

JT smiled. Turning his back on his work and the table piled with books, he walked over and took the child's hand. "I think I need some lunch too. Maybe fried chicken, huh?"

Nicholas finally smiled and nodded.

"Let's go, then," Max said, tossing the boy a little in the air, eliciting a small giggle. Looking around at James and Ryker, he said, "We all need to eat."

"You're right," Ryker said, pushing himself to his feet. "We could all use a break."

"I could eat," said James, rising.

"Come on, then," Max stated, leading the way out of the Tomb and the library. He tossed Nicholas a second time, then pretended to drop him as he guided the boy down to the floor. Holding out his hand, he took the smaller one in his own while saying, "Let's get some lunch."

Asuka wound her way through the high-end clothing store in Las Vegas. She had need of clothing and shoes. Leaving everything behind had been inconsequential to her plans. They were merely trappings to gain the end she desired. The kimono had been a loss, as it had been in her reticule … no, the word in this era was suitcase. It was an odd word, in that women didn't normally wear suits, and on the whole neither did the men. But the kimono had been in her travel case for close to a hundred years. Though it was not the one presented to her during her time in the Emperor's palace, it had been cherished. However, she had chosen to stay behind, chosen to take the opportunity to meet this era's Guardian of the Brotherhood, thus she accepted the loss.

Brotherhood. She snorted lightly. They were merely men. A hand went to her head in remembered pain. Yes, some had gifts, but they were men just the same. She knew her wiles would be of little use against the Guardian; she had met Guardians before. This one was no different than all the others. She would merely step over him to fulfill her plans.

"I've placed the garments you chose in the dressing room for you," said a young woman.

Asuka turned toward the tall, gawky girl and smiled. Bowing slightly, she murmured, "Arigato." When the young shop girl looked merely confused, she amended, "My English, unwell. Thank you for help."

"You're welcome," the girl said, smiling. "Come this way."

Asuka nodded and followed. Her face was a mask of shyness and utter civility. No one would ever guess at the derision and disgust that simmered beneath the surface. She had mastered her emotions centuries ago. First to survive, and now to get what she wanted. While women were not her choice to enthrall, she did enthrall them when the need arose.

As the young woman held open the elegant dressing room door, Asuka gave her a small bow and stepped inside. The moment the door closed, the demeanor of shy elegance dropped away and she walked over to survey her clothing options. The shop girl had added a few more pieces, and she nodded. They were good additions to her original choices. Maybe the child wasn't as much a dullard as she had assumed.

"No, not so much," came a wondrously lyrical voice.

Frozen in place, Asuka felt her heart pounding loudly in her chest. The lights dimmed in the dressing room.

"Why are you so foolish, child?"

Asuka fought the need to declare she wasn't a child. Smoothing out her features, she turned with difficulty toward the small shadow in the corner. Bowing deeply, she murmured, "My impetuousness resulted in my foolishness. I vow it will not happen again."

"You forget the one with whom you converse."

Asuka shivered as an invisible hand seemed to caress her face. But she knew the gentleness was an illusion; there was power there. "It will not happen again."

The shadow sighed. "I know you, child. Hatred is a deep and abiding emotion. Just know there is nothing of you I cannot see. This lapse was unfortunate, but not detrimental. Should it happen again, I will reluctantly dissolve our arrangement."

Feeling tremors of terror shake her frame, she knew exactly how the relationship would be dissolved. Bowing slowly and deeply, Asuka murmured, "I regret my actions. I will strive to rise above my weaknesses."

"We will see, my child. We will see."

The lights warmed and returned to their full wattage and a knock on the door had Asuka starting.

"Can I bring you anything else, Ma'am?"

"No," Asuka replied. Discovering her voice breathy and trembling, she forced away the emotions and donned her veneer of calm. "I have yet to finish." Stopping abruptly, she shook her head. She'd momentarily forgotten she was hiding herself behind her concubine demeanor. "Will end soon."

"Take your time," the shop girl said.

"I will," Asuka murmured to herself, unclenching her hands. She did not know whether the other could hear her thoughts when she was not present, but she couldn't help the resentment that welled up inside. She had spent more years than she could count in lowly servitude to an Emperor who did not deserve her loyalty or her consideration. It was not until he had passed her on to his successor that she truly realized who and what she was. Then, she had departed of her own accord. Now, she was bound once more and resented it immensely.

Straightening, she stepped over and touched a red, silky dress. The material reminded her of her kimono. When a tinge of regret at its loss threatened to rise, she ruthlessly forced it down and slid the cool fabric over her head. Turning, she let her lips redden to match the dress and smiled. Oh, yes. This would do.

Once she had tried on every dress and skirt, she opened the dressing room door and bowed slightly to the shop girl who was standing there. "Arigato," she murmured, inclining her head. Taking a step forward, she reached up slowly and touched the girl's cheek. "Gather the clothing for me, beloved. Place them in a carry case."

The young woman's eyes slid out of focus as she smiled. "All right."

A half hour later, several boxes and bags were being carried to a waiting taxi by the driver. Asuka walked away from the boutique, leaving the young girl inside sitting at the cash register, eyes vacant, a small smile on her face.

Three men lay on the warehouse floor, still unconscious due to blood loss and shock. Isaac and Vince had taken two of the captives into a separate room and were watching them while the third was tied to a chair. Caleb lifted the vial of potion, "There's not much here. Enough for two, I'd say. Got the glass?"

Joel held out a glass that was only partially clean.

"Seriously?"

Shrugging, Joel said, "I could have walked across the street, washed it out and brought it back, but why bother?"

"He couldn't help what she did to him," Caleb said.

"And I don't hold it against him," Joel remarked. Pointing to his swollen eye, he added, "much."

Caleb shrugged. Pouring out half the liquid into the glass, he said, "Hold his nose and open his mouth."

Daniel held the man's head while Joel forced open his mouth. The man struggled, trying to knock the chair over, but the two men were more than a match for him. Caleb squeezed his mouth open wider and poured in the liquid. Joel pushed his mouth closed until the man swallowed. Then he quickly gagged him once more.

Looking up, Joel asked, "How long do we have to wait?"

"For Emanuel it took fifteen, twenty minutes." Caleb eyed their captive a moment, then said, "You two want to get some rest? I think Matt and LaKeesha are using a couple of the pallets across the street."

"Naw, we're good," Joel said, getting confirmation from Daniel. "Where's the kid?"

"He took the Humvee and headed home. His tracking job is done and his mom was worried."

Joel chuckled.

"We pulled all their wallets to see where they're from," Daniel said, pointing to a spindly table nearby.

"From where these guys live, we can guess at part of her route here," Joel continued.

"The two we found at the campsite were from Ohio and Vegas," Caleb said.

Daniel pulled a pen from his pocket and added the states to the list he'd written on a filthy, crumpled piece of ancient paper. "Can't be certain, because people move. But so far it looks like she came down through Quebec or Ontario, through Michigan and Ohio, then angled West from there."

"We've got identification for someone from Quebec," Joel said, "then a guy from Michigan, and now this one from Ohio. One guy and one girl from Iowa…"

"Then we pick up again in Wyoming," Daniel interjected.

"The majority of her posse is from Nevada," Joel finished.

Caleb's brows rose. "Posse?"

"We are in Nevada," Joel stated. "The West. Posse seemed appropriate."

Caleb merely chuckled and looked down at all the IDs. These were lives the succubus had conscripted. "So, we have two dead outside Preston, and six enthralled here."

"And the two that got away," Daniel said. "You think they're with her?"

"I would think so," Caleb said. "I'm not up on succubus lore. There's not been a presence here in the states in over a century."

"Guess we've got homework," Daniel said.

Caleb walked over to the bound man and checked his eyes. They were still out of focus.

"That guy is the one from Quebec," Joel said. "Maybe he can give us a clue as to where the succubus came from before there."

"Do you speak French?" Caleb asked.

"Oh." Joel looked over to Daniel, who shrugged.

"I'll check with Vince and Isaac," Caleb said, walking in that direction. Sighing, he reached out to check on Dean.

You doing good?

Fine. But if Sam's brings me one more glass of water with jam…

Caleb grinned. Drink it, and I'll let you in on this guy's interrogation.

You gave him the potion without me?

Baby. Come over in fifteen and we'll get started.

Caleb walked across the floor to a shabby office and opened the door. Inside Isaac and Vince were playing cards on top of a decrepit desk. Their two captives were tied in back-to-back chairs. "Anyone speak French?"

Both men's brows rose in query.

"The guy we gave the potion to is from Quebec and may not speak English."

Isaac shrugged. "I know some, but not enough for an interrogation. But I've got the translator app on my phone. It'll do."

Caleb could have hit himself on the back of the head. He hadn't thought of the translator app on his cell. Just went to show how tired he was.

"I'm starving," Vince said suddenly, eying Caleb. "Any food across the way?"

Caleb blinked. He hadn't thought of food either. "Good idea and I don't know." He needed fuel in the worst way. "If we do, I'll bring some back."

"Good, or all we'll be skeletons out here in the badlands."

"The Badlands are in North Dakota," Caleb corrected as he walked out the door, leaving the trail of laughter behind. Telling Joel and Daniel he was going for food, he stepped out into the baking heat and crossed the street into the seemingly equally hot house.

In the corner, Matt and LaKeesha were asleep on thick pallets. Dean was also lying on one of the pallets, ice packs wrapped in towels draped across his neck. His eyes were half-mast as though he were fighting sleep. After a fight and a near death experience, the body is full of adrenalin for a while until the crash. Dean was fighting off the crash. Nearby Sam was on his phone, obviously in research mode.

Looking up as Caleb crossed the room, Sam asked, "Everything all right?"

Caleb nodded. "One guy dosed and we're waiting for the potion to kick in."

"How long does that take?" Sam asked.

"From Emanuel, I'd say about twenty minutes. I'm here to see if I can scrounge anything to eat for the guys."

Sam crawled to his feet, saying, "Yeah, there's stuff for sandwiches, potato salad and cold chicken in the fridge. I'll get it together."

"Thanks." Walking over to Dean, Caleb dropped down and lifted the cold pack on his friend's neck.

Grunting, Dean shifted slightly and focused blurrily on Caleb. "Hey. Josh here?"

"Not yet. I tried calling but couldn't get through. Don't know if it's the reception here or there."

"Sat…?"

"If they're at the hospital, they won't answer," Caleb said as he leaned forward to examine Dean's throat. It looked more swollen now than it had earlier, and that made him wondered if there was venom in the succubus grip. Of course, it could just be the trauma. They'd already given him an antibiotic injection and some pills for anti-inflammation from Vince and Isaac's first aid kit. What they needed now was for Joshua to get there with his crafter kit.

"Ugh," Dean grunted again, and started to push himself into a sitting position.

"Hey," Caleb exclaimed. "Stay down." Picking up the cold pack he pushed it back onto Dean's throat.

Dean took the cold pack but sat up anyway. "Got … interrogation to watch."

Though it was a struggle between wanting Dean to rest and knowing he needed to be in on the interrogation, Caleb relented, saying, "True. Here, let's get you up and into a chair." Offering a hand, he helped Dean stand long enough to get him into a wooden chair nearby.

"How long?" Dean asked.

Caleb checked his watch. "Another twelve minutes, maybe ten. I'm waiting for Sam to bring out some food for the guys."

Pointing to his chest, Dean rasped, "Should start over."

Standing, Caleb texted Sam that they would meet him across the street as he waited for Dean to get to his feet.

Dean straightened his shoulders winced at the pressure on his throat. Growling under his breath, he started for the door. He'd gotten strangled by a succubus. Big deal. It wasn't like he'd been shot or stabbed. Yeah, it was difficult to breathe through a swollen windpipe, but that didn't mean he couldn't do his job, damn it.

The heat smacked him in the face the moment he stepped outside the door. He'd thought it was hot inside. Inside had nothing on outside. The heat sapped what breath he had, and Dean found himself gasping for air.

Caleb stood behind his friend, wanting to help but knowing it wouldn't be welcomed. Instead, he stepped slowly past Dean and started across the street, knowing his valiant friend would follow.

Dean watched Caleb walk slowly through the dust and dirt, and sighed. What he really wanted to do was go back into the saloon, grocery, boarding house, whatever it was, and lay down. But what was he, ninety? He'd been killed before, damn it; killed … twice! If he couldn't get past being strangled – not killed, mind you; strangled – then he needed to get out of the game. Forcing his shoulders back, Dean stepped out into the dusty street and walked with deliberation and determination across to the warehouse.

Caleb smiled. Dean Winchester. Damn hero. Shaking his head, he stepped up onto the aged, wooden sidewalk and walked into the warehouse.

.

Inside, Caleb and Dean approached Joel and Daniel.

"He's ready," Joel said, nodding to the man still bound to the chair.

The man's eyes were wide and terrified. Though he attempted to put on a brave front, a couple of tears wound their way down the side of his face.

Daniel handed Caleb a driver's license and stepped back.

Stepping forward, Caleb removed the man's gag and nodded to Joel, who held a bottle of water for the man to drink. Once he'd had his fill, he asked in a soothing tone, "Parlez vous anglais?"

The man's wide eyes darted between each of them. "Un peu."

Caleb sighed. Having spent some time with his grandmother in New Orleans before her death, he was somewhat familiar with French; knew enough to say a few things. But conducting an interrogation wasn't one of them. Turning to Joel, he said, "Can you get Isaac?" as he pulled out his cell. To the man, he said gently, "Pas de souci. Nous ne vous ferons pas de peine." (No worry. We won't pain you.)

The man blinked in surprise, and couldn't help the small twist of humor on his lips.

Caleb rolled his eyes. "I know it wasn't correct." Tapping the translator application on his phone, he typed in what he wanted to say and let the mechanical voice say it for him.

"Reduced to that already, huh?" Isaac observed as he walked over.

"Shuddup," Caleb growled as Dean smirked.

Isaac merely grabbed another chair and placed it so he was facing the bound man. It was less threatening to talk to someone face to face rather than looming overhead. Smiling, he said, "Je ne parle pas bien français, mais on s'en sortira dans les deux langues, non ?" (I don't speak French well, but we will get by in both languages, yes?)

The man nodded. "Thank … you." His eyes darted to the strong men lurking around him and asked, "You … take me?"

"No," Isaac said. "We saved you."

"Rescue?"

"You're name is Olivier?"

The man nodded, and another small tear leaked from his eyes. It was as though he hadn't heard his name in a long time.

"Olivier, do you remember the woman?" When the man looked somewhat confused, Isaac looked down at his phone and typed in the sentence, letting the computer voice ask for him.

Olivier nodded. "J'étais avec ma femme..." Suddenly his eyes widened. "Mia! Ma femme!" (I was with my wife. Mia! My wife!)

"I got it," Daniel said, pulling out his cell.

Isaac typed a sentence into his cell, then held it up as the cell voice said, "Nous essayons de découvrir Mia." (We're trying to find out about Mia.) Leaning forward, he asked, "Can you … terminer?" (finish)

Swallowing, Olivier nodded and continued, "I was dinner with mon wife." Smiling sadly, he whispered, "Anniversaire." Shaking his head, he resorted to French.

Isaac held up his phone so he could capture the words as they were translated.

"Je prenais nos boissons au bar quand cette femme demande à boire. Je lui dis que je suis avec ma femme… puis soudain je suis dehors avec elle, la conduisant à l'aéroport dans ma voiture. " He shook his head. "Nous avons volé aux États-Unis; Je ne me souviens plus de grand chose après."

(I was getting our drinks at the bar when this woman asks for a drink. I tell her I'm with my wife … then suddenly I'm outside with her, driving her to the airport in my car. We flew into the United States; I don't remember much after that.)

Isaac looked at his phone, then hit the translation button for what Olivier had said. Everyone listened. When it was finished, he asked the young man, "Did you see anyone else?"

Olivier's eyes widened. "Un homme en fuite Japonais je crois. Je n'ai pas compris ses paroles, mais ils se disputent. Quand nous avons atterri ensuite, elle et moi sommes partis sans lui."

(A man on flight; Japanese I believe. I didn't understand his words, but they argue. When we landed next, she and I left without him.)

After listening to the translation, Dean rasped, "Got … that," and he pulled out his cell to check for news of a body found on a private plane either in Ohio, Michigan or Pennsylvania.

"Did the woman tell you where she was going?" Isaac asked. "What she was doing?"

"I was … brumeux." (Hazy) Olivier tried to think back through the fog of love he inexplicably felt for this unknown woman. "Power," he murmured. "Quand elle pensait que je dormais, elle parlait au téléphone, parlant du pouvoir dans le Nevada." Frowning, he said, "Elle a également mentionné l'Oregon, la Californie et le Mexique. Il y avait peut-être plus de noms, mais je ne pouvais pas tous les entendre. Elle parlait en japonais."

(When she thought I slept, she spoke on the phone, talking of power in Nevada. She also mentioned Oregon, California and Mexico. There may have been more names, but I couldn't hear them all. She was speaking in Japanese.)

Caleb moved around behind Olivier and untied his hands. "Thank you for helping," he said. "Do you feel all right?"

Olivier translated Caleb's words in his head as best he could and nodded. "Feel … stupid. Don't … understand what happened."

Daniel stepped up. "A Mia Roussin reported her husband missing fifteen days ago." He looked Olivier in the eye and said slowly, "She's all right."

As though unsure whether he'd gotten the message correctly, Olivier's eyes darted over to Isaac, who relayed the message to his phone and the cell translated it into French. Suddenly a smile bloomed on Olivier's face. "Mia is well? She live?"

Isaac smiled. "Elle est en vie." (She is alive)

Olivier closed his eyes and began to weep.

Caleb, Dean and Daniel stepped back, giving the man some room.

"This is going to be a long, tough road to hoe," Daniel said softly.

Sam stepped out of the shadows. "How are we going to get all these people home?"

"How long you been watching?" Daniel asked.

"Since about two minutes in," Caleb interjected. He'd felt it the moment Sam had stepped into the warehouse.

Sam eyed Dean to see how he was doing before saying to Daniel, "There's food on the back table.

Daniel looked past the tall Scholar to see Vince sitting cross-legged on the floor, a plate of food in his lap.

"Joel's bringing over some ice for the sodas," Sam said.

Daniel nodded and walked away.

Sam focused on where Isaac was sitting across from Olivier, talking softly, occasionally using his phone to help with the conversation. "How are we going to get them home?"

"Michael can fly them," Caleb said. "But this is going to take some time." He wondered if he would be able to get back to Kentucky before Tristan and Kaven went to school in the morning.

"Maybe we can get them to write down everything they remember," Sam suggested. "That way they can get home to their families."

"Ben," Dean murmured.

"Yes," Sam nodded. "He'll have people nearby who can help get the victims back on their feet. Does Joshua have anything to stop the succubus from calling these men to her in the future?"

"I don't know," Caleb shrugged. "We really didn't have time to get into that. He made the potion for Emanuel, then we found out Chen was alive. That took priority."

"How's that going?" Sam asked.

"Can't get through," Caleb wiggled his cell in the air, and explained about the satellite phone again, "Tried the sat phone, but if they're at the hospital, Josh won't be able to answer. We'll just have to wait and see."

Isaac rose and said something to Olivier before he nodded and stepped away. Immediately he went to the table for some food. Sandwich in hand, he walked back over to Dean, Sam and Caleb followed by Vince. "Olivier is calling his wife," Isaac said, "letting her know he's all right."

Startled, Caleb said, "You shouldn't have done that, not yet. She'll want to notify the police, let them know he's been found."

"He said he could convince her not to." Isaac lowered his sandwich. "He was worried, especially since it was their Anniversary."

"Can you hear what they're saying?"

Isaac snorted. "What do you take me for?" Pulling a second cell from his pocket, he held it up so Caleb could read the text. "He seemed a little too clear on the details of his abduction. He remembers it was his Anniversary, he was at the bar getting drinks, then suddenly he doesn't remember anything except four specific states the succubus is heading."

"Caught all that?" Vince said with a smile.

"Do I have schmuck tattooed on my forehead? Plus, he knows she's of Japanese heritage, so there's this dead guy who's Japanese."

"There is a dead Japanese guy," Dean interjected.

"There is?" Isaac said, surprise in his voice.

Dean held out his phone showing the headlines in The Plain Dealer, the largest news distributer in Ohio. The body of a thirty-four year old Japanese man identified as Natsu Yamamoto was found aboard a private plane at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The plane was reported as stolen from a prominent Japanese businessman, whose identity has not been released for safety reasons. The businessman was last seen in the company of an unknown female, height five feet hour inches, blonde hair and large blue eyes. If anyone has seen this woman, please alert the authorities.

"Okay," Isaac said. "I guess some of his story is true."

"Best way to lie," Caleb observed. "Mix truth and lies. It's difficult to sort them out."

"And time consuming," Dean murmured.

"You think they're all going to lie?" Sam asked. "Because if so, this is going to take a long time. We'll need help."

"And we need proper medical attention for the three gunshot wounds," Caleb said with a sigh. Turning to Dean, he asked, "How do you want to handle this?"

Dean looked around the warehouse. While it provided a good remote location for debriefing, it lacked many things they needed: medical equipment, doctors, access to Internet and computers. Plus they needed psychiatrists and counselors to help with the captives; and air conditioning. "Move to the ranch."

"Wyoming?" Sam asked, surprised.

Vince looked from Sam to Dean and said, "We'll finish lunch and gather the gear." He nodded to Isaac and they walked back to the table where Joel and Daniel were eating.

Watching the retreating pair, Sam said in a lower tone, "We're closer to a large portion of Ben's medical network in Vegas."

"She'll go to Vegas," Caleb said.

"Why?"

"Did you get a look at the clothes she left behind? They're well made, expensive, designer. The only place to replace those around here is in Vegas."

"But will she stay there?" Sam asked. "We're talking a two state move if we go to Wyoming, with only two vehicles. Wilu took the Humvee when he left for home."

"Three vehicles, when George gets here with his Humvee," Caleb stated.

Sam felt his frustration rise. "And we've got eleven of us and six captives, three with bullets wounds, plus the gear. It's unwieldy to move to the ranch."

"The ranch is outfitted with computers for research, a full field hospital, beds and food, and hunters may be staying there who can help." Caleb stepped toward Sam, saying, "We need more resources than we have here. It's the closest place outside of California."

Dean stepped forward, his expression set. "We're going … to the ranch," he rasped.

Sam sighed. "Fine. But how are we going to get there?"

"Fly," Caleb said. "I've got my plane in Tonopah."

Sam ran his fingers through his hair. The action had been more satisfying when his hair was longer. The reasons Caleb presented for going to Wyoming were sound. They would have access to more resources. But moving would take time; a lot of time. Sighing, he knew why he wasn't thrilled with the move: he'd had a date with Mahira Tuesday night. He suddenly felt ashamed of himself. They had a job to do and he needed to focus. "All right. I'll contact Madeline. She's in charge of keeping the medical hotline up to date. She'll know who's closest to the ranch."

Caleb clapped Sam on the back. Turning, he walked over to where Isaac was munching on his sandwich. "When you're finished, can you escort our Quebec friend into the room with the other captives? Tell him we're getting him home soon."

Isaac nodded. Picking up a thick sandwich of what looked like roast beef, cheese and greens, he handed it to Caleb. "Eat something before you fall down. Make sure Sam eats something too; and Dean if he can get anything down." Picking up a bottle of water, he cracked it open as he walked over to where Olivier sat.

"Daniel, can you wake Matt and LaKeesha, and gather our gear?"

Daniel gave a jaunty salute, grabbed two sandwiches and walked out the door.

Looking down at the sandwich, Caleb eyed it a moment before he bit in.

Sam glanced at Dean, noting his throat looked very swollen and raw. "You should go back to the farm."

"No," Dean said.

"Clarissa needs you, and you can't talk."

"Nicholas needs Josh," Dean rasped. Forcing out more words, he continued, "Tris and Kaven need Caleb, you've got a date…"

"But I can reschedule work," Sam said loudly before his brother could say Mahira's name. He hadn't told Caleb yet and didn't want the reveal to be in a ramshackle building in Nevada.

"Oh for…" Caleb hissed, stalking over to Sam. "You've been seeing Mahira Sachdev for months. I haven't interfered, haven't brought it up, even to Onida. I've respected your privacy. Can we just drop all the subterfuge and just say yay, Sam's getting laid?"

Dean covered his smile even as Sam's face went fire engine red.

"You read me!" Sam ranted in a strangled whisper. "Privacy, how can you say you respected my privacy when you read me!?"

"I didn't read you," Caleb declared, trying with all his might to keep his voice low and his temper under control. "I live in Louisville, you know.

"And it's a city of over seven-hundred thousand people!" Sam stated angrily. "And that's not including the burrows. So, you just happen to see me and …"

"Sam…" Dean attempted to interject, but neither man could hear him.

"The Carnegie Center for Art and History," Caleb interrupted softly. "You have a membership, and went to the opening of the Elle Perez exhibit, a prominent New York print artist born in the Bronx, most likely because Mary is doing a piece on Perez for her magazine. I was there because the Carnegie wants to do a showcase of my mother's art next fall and invited me to the opening. I saw you and Mahira there. I know who she is; she monitored Mary's sophomore internship at the paper."

"How did you know that?"

Caleb looked like he'd been slapped in the face. "Mary is my god-daughter. I drove her to that internship many times that summer, even went in to meet Mahira. I checked her out as I check out anyone who comes near my nieces, nephews and god-children." Face white and set, he went on, "When I saw you and Mahira at the opening, I could read the situation, so I left. I didn't want you to see me, as you were so hell bent on keeping your relationship a damned secret. I never told anyone I'd seen you, not even your brother." Spinning on his heel, he stalked out of the warehouse.

"Nice one, Sam," Dean chided.

"Don't you start," Sam declared. He started to walk away, but his brother caught him by the arm and yanked him around. Seeing Dean's set expression, his angry retort died on his lips.

"Don't play the wounded party with me," Dean rasped. Pulling in air through his nose to avoid his throat, he continued, "You instantly jump to the conclusion you've been wronged without giving even the slightest concession that he could have found out in some innocent way. I knew you were seeing someone for months. You think Caleb wouldn't have known, even without seeing you at the gallery? Even without snooping or reading you? He's known you since you were a freakin' baby!" Pulling in more air, he stated, "He's been part of our lives through thick and thin, seen us through the best and the worst. Without reading you," he stated sarcastically, "he probably knew you were seeing someone the first weekend barbeque after you started dating!" Glaring at his brother, he hissed, "Isn't it past time you grew up, Sam?" Turning, he walked out of the building to find Caleb.

Sam stared after the two of them, feeling both indignant and ashamed. He truly felt he had a right to a private life, and didn't need to explain to either Dean or Caleb that he was in a relationship with a wonderful woman, not until he was ready. Conversely, he'd been wrong to accuse Caleb of breaking one of the most sacred rules of psychics and reading him. Sighing, he dropped into a chair and raked his fingers through his hair.

"Families."

Turning, Sam felt his face burn as he saw Isaac coming his way.

"Don't worry," Isaac said, his expression understanding. "I'm the only one that overheard. I took Olivier to the room with the others, and was coming back for the exit plan when I overheard. Because Dean can't speak well, I was halfway across the floor before I realized you were arguing."

Sam snorted out a short laugh. "What did you do?"

Isaac smiled. "I figured turning and walking away would have been more conspicuous than just sitting on the floor."

Nodding, Sam sighed. "Sorry you had to hear all that." Looking up at the other man, he confessed, "I shouldn't have yelled at Caleb."

"Families," Isaac said again, this time with a shrug. "They're complicated. You three grew up together, so I guess you know one another better than most. No one gets on your nerves like family."

"Isn't that the truth."

"And I imagine having two big brothers makes you feel even more protective of your privacy."

Sam's head jerked up in surprise.

"I'm the middle of nine children," Isaac revealed, and grinned when Sam's eyes widened. "Five older brothers, two older sisters, and one younger sister. I would have loved it if I'd had even one secret growing up, but," he shrugged again, "I didn't. One of them would find out and trumpet it to everyone else."

"Guess I should feel lucky I had only two older brothers."

"And one who respects your privacy by not reading you with his gigantic psychic abilities," Isaac said.

"I don't know about gigantic," Sam countered.

"No, I think gigantic is just about right."

"Yeah, it is." Sam sighed. "I'm going to have to apologize."

Isaac laughed at the reluctance he could hear in Sam's voice. "From what I know of big brothers, they'll forgive you anything. Doesn't mean Caleb isn't owed one."

"Damn it," Sam groused.

Isaac rose, saying, "I'm going to help load the SUV."

Sam watched the man walk away a moment, before he called out, "Your family; where are they now?"

Isaac stopped, but didn't turn around immediately. Finally, he looked over his shoulder and said, "All dead except my younger sister. Revenant." Then he walked out the door.

Feeling more ashamed and grateful he still had Dean and Caleb, Sam rose and went to apologize.

.

Dean walked into the small house that he'd figured was where the Station Master lived. He didn't see Caleb immediately, but knew the older man as well as Caleb knew him. Walking through the house, he went out the backdoor to see his best friend sitting on the small wooden stoop.

"I know," Caleb said on an exhale. "I know he doesn't mean to be rude."

"Or offensive."

"Yeah, or that." Staring off into the barren landscape, Caleb confessed, "I'm really angry."

"I know," Dean whispered.

"I did the right thing, the generous thing, the courteous thing. And instead of controlling himself enough to ask how I found out, he accuses me of the most vile thing I could do."

Dean didn't say anything.

Caleb shook his head wearily. "From the time I was adopted, Mac and Pastor Jim impressed upon me the importance of using my abilities for the good of others; of not looking into people's thoughts without their permission, and especially not those I love." Looking over at Dean for the first time, he asked, "I have never once read Sam against his wishes, never looked into his private life. Why doesn't he see that?"

"I don't know," Dean murmured. Caleb was a Knight's Knight. While his father John was a Knight in name and by necessity, Caleb was born for the position. His honor was untainted, unsullied and untarnished.

Caleb merely sighed and nodded, turning his attention back to the scenery. After a long moment, he said, "It's all right. One thing I know is that no one gets a hundred percent trust. Mac, John and Pastor Jim trusted me, you trust me," he said, throwing Dean a smile. "Onida trusts me, so do Tristan and Kaven. I will not let you down, none of you."

"I trust you."

Dean looked around to see Sam standing in the doorway. After one more look in Caleb's direction, he pushed himself to his feet. Giving his best friend's shoulder a squeeze, he walked to the door. Sam stepped aside, his expression of remorse one Dean had seen many times through the years. "Be sincere," he murmured before he moved past his brother.

Dean knew Caleb remembered John through the rosy glow of a mentor, but he recalled all the times John had gone off on Caleb the exact same way Sam did. It wasn't right, because Caleb almost never deserved it. It was unfortunate that Sam treated Caleb in the same fashion; often as a punching bag for his fears and frustrations.

Sam sighed. Going forward, he sat down beside the older man.

Caleb didn't speak. He was simply too angry and disappointed, and he wasn't particularly in a pander-to-Sammy mood.

"I know I tend to say the first thing that comes into my head when I'm angry," Sam admitted. "I don't trust myself with my abilities, so I shove that fear onto you." When Caleb didn't reply, he said, "I know Dad yelled at you when things weren't your fault. Guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." Turning to face Caleb, he said, "But I'm not Dad, and I'm sorry. Sorry I insulted you; sorry I didn't ask how you found out about Mahira before accusing you of reading me, something I know you would never do."

Keeping his eyes focused ahead, Caleb still didn't respond. It wasn't that he didn't believe Sam. He did. He knew Sam and knew the younger man was sorry, as he often was when he flew off the handle. He just wasn't ready to make nice.

Sam watched Caleb for a couple seconds, then nodded. "Okay." He didn't blame the older man for being angry. "I am sorry, and I hope you'll be able to forgive me. But if it needs to be later, I get that too." Getting to his feet, he said, "I'm going to contact Madeline, see about getting some doctors and counselors out to the Wilmington Ranch. Anything you need, you just tell me." He was at the door when Caleb spoke.

"I am angry, Sam. I didn't deserve what you said to me. I don't know how to get it through your head that I would never use my abilities on any human being, much less you, without consent. It's a code as ingrained in me as saving people, leading and training the Brotherhood, watching out for you and Dean. That you neither respect nor truly believe that is a wound."

"Caleb…"

"Sam, just stop. I don't want you to say anything you don't believe because you feel bad." Standing, Caleb turned to face Sam for the first time. "Maybe someday you'll trust me with your whole heart, with conviction. I hope so. In the meantime I hope you can believe that I'd protect you and Dean with my life. It's not only my duty as the Knight of the Brotherhood, but my privilege as family."

Sam stared out at the dusty backyard, his heart in his throat as he listened to Caleb's footfalls fade away. Well, Caleb had finally given him a rare smack down, one he'd deserved numerous times through the years. He didn't understand why he ran off at the mouth, but it was long past time he faced that flaw. Maybe what he needed was to face his abilities. If he faced his, maybe he could face Caleb's. Sighing, he pulled out his phone. At the moment, they had a job to do. He wouldn't let Dean or Caleb down.

Juliet and Onida sat at the kitchen table drinking iced tea from sweating glasses and listening to the children yelling and laughing out in the back yard.

Carolyn stood at the backdoor, watching with a smile on her face. "Nicholas is doing better now that Max and JT are outside playing with them. He misses Mac so much when he goes back home, and with Joshua and Dean gone…"

"I'm glad JT could stand in for Dean," Juliet said. She glanced at the clock over the kitchen window. It was closing in on three, and she still hadn't heard from Dean. He would usually have called before now.

"Should I try and contact Caleb?" Onida asked, knowing that Juliet was worried.

"No," Juliet sighed. "Dean usually calls, but there are times when he's in the thick of it and can't." Giving Onida a smile, she confessed, "I just don't like to dwell on those times."

"I could check in with Alison," Carolyn said. "She's got an excellent network of spies that tell her where everyone is."

Juliet seriously considered it, but in the end she shook her head. "No. He'll call when he can, and it's only…" she checked the clock again. "Three in Nevada. Hopefully they've got Chen to the hospital and he's doing all right."

The backdoor banged open and James and JT tumbled inside.

"Boys!" Juliet admonished. "Don't bang the door!"

"Yes, Mom," JT and James parroted together.

"I think it's time for ice cream," James stated, going to the freezer.

"What he meant was, isn't it time for ice cream," JT corrected, grinning at his brother.

The backdoor suddenly burst open again as Nicholas, Tristan, Kaven and Clarissa barreled inside.

"What did I say about the back door?" Carolyn admonished.

"Open it nicely, not loudly," Nicholas said, his head ducked, though he peeked up at Carolyn through his blond lashes.

"Yes," Carolyn said, opening her arms for Nicholas to get a hug. The boy was such a jewel, it was often difficult to discipline him, though he rarely needed it.

Max and Ryker stomped into the kitchen, creating more noise than all the children combined.

"Maxim!" Carolyn exclaimed.

"Mother?" Max said, coming over and giving her a kiss on the head.

Juliet and Onida chuckled as they watched Carolyn's face redden.

James piled a couple cartons of ice cream on the table, along with a jar of fudge. "How about ice cream sundaes?"

"Yes!" Nicholas exclaimed lifting his head from Carolyn's shoulder

Clarissa, Tristan and Kaven merely looked confused.

"Never heard of an ice cream sundae?" James asked. When he got three headshakes no, he said, "Well, it's time you learned!"

Max put the bowls on the table while JT put down sprinkles and peanuts. Ryker grabbed the spoons and napkins.

"Pay attention, children," James said, leaning in to the table and looking each child in the eye. "Now, the fun starts!"

Dean checked his watch. He should have called Juliet two hours ago, but he hadn't wanted to say anything with his voice in tatters. Of course, he'd been able to take a swipe at Sam, but that had been a necessity of the moment. Matt walked over and dumped a couple of duffels near the SUV and Dean retrieved them and placed them in the back compartment. A few minutes later the hunter returned carrying a box. "These are the papers that were in the succubus' room."

"Good." Dean took the box and set it inside the SUV.

Wiping the sweat from his face, Matt said, "Isaac and Vince have got a hunt in Minnesota. Should they take it or pass it off?"

"Take it," Dean said. "We'll have help coming in to Wyoming. You got anything?"

Matt shook his head. "Nothing pressing. And since we heard the distress call, I'd like to see this through."

"Good enough," Dean rasped.

Taking a look at Dean's swollen neck, Matt said, "Let me get you another cold pack."

"Naw. I'll wait till we get … on the road."

"How about one now, and another on the road," Matt compromised with a grin.

"That … bad, huh?" Dean reached up and touched his throat lightly. "All right."

"I'll be right back."

Dean shook his head as Matt jogged off, then quickly stopped the action as it made his throat throb unpleasantly. He really wished Joshua would get here with his magic potion box and do something to mitigate the pain. Caleb had speculated that succubi had poison in their fingers, and maybe they had. He just figured they were super strong, and this one was determined to punish him for not taking her deal. In fact, he had yet to tell Sam and Caleb about the deal.

Sam and Caleb. They were skirting around one another like two rivals bulls. Caleb was still hurt and mad, Sam was defensive and remorseful. And both were determined to do the job at hand. Luckily, both were such good actors that no one noticed anything was amiss.

Deciding that he needed to call Juliet, he pulled out his cell.

"Dean?" Juliet exclaimed. "I was worried."

Clearing his throat, Dean tried to speak in as normal a tone as he could. "Sorry, couldn't…"

"What's wrong?" Juliet interrupted.

"Got hit in the throat," Dean explained. "Plus, there's a lot of dust in Nevada." Slowly he swallowed down the pain. "But I'm fine."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I don't know if we'll be home today, but definitely by tomorrow."

Juliet nodded, and prevented herself from sighing. "All right. JT and James are still here. Clarissa is enjoying the attention."

"Older brothers; she's gotta love that. Onida and the boys there too?"

"Yup, Carolyn and Nicholas as well, along with Max and Ryker. They just finished having ice cream sundaes. "

"Did the kitchen survive?"

Juliet chuckled. "Barely."

"Now you have to deal with a sugar high," Dean said, smiling even as he swallowed the pain in his throat.

"The boys will help everyone run it off in the back yard." Juliet's smile faded slightly as she said, "Hurry back, okay?"

"I will. I'll talk to you tonight."

"Take care of my man."

"Will do. Love you," and Dean hung up.

Sam walked up and leaned against the rear hatch of the vehicle. "Juliet?"

Dean nodded, picking up the lukewarm ice pack Matt had placed on the bumper and held it to his throat. "Said we'd be back tomorrow."

"Hopefully. Madeline called in reinforcements of the medical kind. They'll be waiting at the ranch when we get there." Eyeing his brother, Sam said, "I don't like going there."

"Me either."

Sam merely nodded. After a moment, he said, "Oh, Caleb got hold of Joshua. Chen is in the hospital getting needed fluids, and George is bringing Joshua here. Once they get here, we'll load up and drive to Tonopah to board Caleb's jetliner." Frowning, he said, "I hope we all fit."

"Isaac and Vince aren't coming. Got another hunt."

"Oh, right. Daniel and Joel have taken them to get their truck in Warm Springs, then they're going to drive on to Wyoming."

Dean wondered if he could go with them.

Sam smiled knowing exactly what his brother was thinking. "No, you're going to have to fly."

"Already flown," Dean complained. Swallowing, he griped, "Had my fill."

"Suck it up," Caleb said, coming up from behind Dean and pushing him gently aside so he could close the rear hatch of the SUV. "So, you want to tell me the real reason we're dragging this circus to Wyoming?"

Sam looked momentarily startled at Caleb's question before he gave himself a mental smack on the head. He'd been too busy worrying about his own personal stuff to realize Dean had an ulterior motive for taking everyone two states away.

"Want to search … Wilmington."

"What for? Another journal?" Caleb asked. "You, me and Bobby combed that place with a fine tooth when we rebuilt and protected it."

"Inside," Dean corrected.

Caleb blinked. "You want to check the grounds? It's a ranch! There are a lot of grounds."

Sam eyed Dean and said, "This is about the letter, isn't it?"

Having already stalked off, Caleb stared down the dusty, sunbaked street, his back to the pair. Finally, he pivoted around, saying, "All right, we'll try and search the grounds. But we're going to do this logically. The two journals we found were in a metal lock box. Let's look in the more credible places first, then if we need to we'll call in a metal detector. If it comes to that, I suggest we call in the boys and have them do a grid search."

Dean grinned. "A ranch has a lot of ground."

"And I don't want to do it myself," Caleb remarked. "We'll bring in a UPEX 740 M."

"What's that?" Sam asked.

"A large loop metal locator for deep searches of wide areas. It's highly productive, simple to operate, and has options for digital surveys."

"You sound like an ad," Dean rasped, earning a glare from Caleb.

"How do you know about that?" Sam asked, baffled. As far as he knew, no hunt had required one, and one didn't use metal detectors on construction sites.

"Building in New Orleans forty-something years ago," Caleb said. "It collapsed and people were trapped inside. I was working on a construction site on the other side of the city. Me and my team went to help with the search for survivors."

Sam stared at Caleb, then looked over at Dean. It was obvious from his brother's expression that he knew about the incident. "I never knew that."

Caleb glanced at Dean, then sighed. "It was after Roy and Walt."

"You mean when they killed…?"

"Yeah, Dean came and worked with me for a couple days after that," Caleb said briskly, his eyes going over Sam's shoulder to the vehicle that was approaching. "There's George and Josh."

Sam watched as Caleb walked away before he turned to look at his brother.

Dean was watching the Humvee approach. "Don't go there. That ground has been ravaged and reclaimed." Eyes full of sympathy and love turned back to his baby brother. "We're good, Sammy," and he headed after Caleb.

Closing his eyes, Sam felt his shoulders sag. Roy and Walt had killed them, and every great memory he'd had in heaven had been ones without Dean. Dean's had been with him. It had been a tough pill for Dean to swallow, an equally tough one for him to remember. But a lot had changed since those Stanford years and the years directly following. He'd grown up, and if he still had some land to reclaim, especially concerning Caleb, he could do that too.

With more determination than he'd felt in the last several years, Sam walked down the road to where Dean and Caleb were standing beside Joshua, who was surveying Dean's throat.

"There's a lot of swelling here," Joshua said, his eyes on Dean's neck. "You should probably get an x-ray and a CT scan to make sure none of the ligaments were torn."

"They aren't," Dean hissed, wincing.

"We'll be checking in Wyoming anyway," Joshua said in his best don't-argue-with-me voice. "For now, I'll whip up a potion to ease the swelling and the soreness."

"Great." Turning to George, Dean said, "If you wouldn't mind helping us take the captives to Tonopah and load them on the plane, we'll be done." He held out his hand. "Thanks for the last couple days."

Smiling, George griped Dean's hand, saying, "It's never boring." Turning, he walked toward the warehouse, calling over his shoulder, "Got anything to eat?"

Caleb shook his head and followed the tracker.

"Do you have a place for me to work?" Joshua asked, lifting his gear from the SUV.

Nodding, Sam nodded towards the building the succubus had claimed, and which they were now using. "We've set up inside. Come get out of the heat. There's some ice, still. I'll get you some water."

"Thank you," Joshua said, following Sam.

Slowly Dean lifted the now-warm ice pack to his neck and held it there as he surveyed the Station and the buildings. They knew that Olivier was lying. He wondered how many of the others were accomplices and how many were victims. Sam and Caleb could handle sorting that out. He needed to focus on the letter. There hadn't been anything in the three Colt journals they had in the Tomb, though he would go over them again when he returned home. But Samuel Colt wouldn't have sent such a cryptic message, charmed to find him through time, unless there was something to help decipher it. That meant there were two other places where a journal could be hidden: either they'd missed one at the ranch, or one was buried under the mountain they'd blown up years ago at Sinks Canyon State Park in Wyoming. If it was at the Sinks, they were so screwed.

.

TBC

NOTES: Episode where Walt and Roy killed Dean and Sam is Supernatural S5:E16, "Dark Side of the Moon."