Chapter 12: The Road Ahead
Once Dolos was banished, Sam returned to his senses. At that point, Dean's nightmare was finally over. Sam explained that Azazel revived him in the church and then produced Maia. Shortly afterward Dolos appeared. He ordered Sam to use the Colt to unlock a door to a crypt in a cemetery. Until Dolos was banished, that was all Sam could think about.
When they contacted the group at the motel with the welcome news, Crowley advised leaving the disposal of the van to him. He was a pyrokinetic and could quickly turn the van into charred pieces of metal. Dean was relieved to hear the suggestion. No one wanted Sam and Maia's fingerprints to be discovered in an abandoned van containing explosives.
They crowded into the SUV for the trip back to Casper. It was a snug fit but Sam didn't let out a peep about Maia sitting in his lap.
While Neal drove, they explained what had gone on for the past two days. It was a lot to take in. From Sam's perspective, they'd been in the backyard of the Mystery Mansion only a few hours ago. If his scruff weren't so long, he would have had a harder time believing them.
Physically, the pair didn't appear in bad shape although both were famished and guzzled water throughout the drive. The emotional hell they'd gone through would be much more difficult to get over.
Everyone did their best to keep the mood upbeat, and there was much to celebrate. Saving the world from the Apocalypse was nothing to sneeze at. Combine that with the death of the demon who'd killed their parents, and who wouldn't want to party?
But Sam and Maia were far too quiet. Maia in particular barely said a word. She was probably still overcome by guilt. Dean had at first thought it was for the best she didn't remember anything about her life with Astrena, but now she was free to imagine the worst possible events.
The silver lining was that Sam's concern for Maia kept him from obsessing about his own situation. The shock of being told he'd been selected to be Lucifer's vessel probably hadn't sunk in. Dean was trying not to sweat it. Lucifer was still locked in his cage. For now, it was an empty threat.
Once they returned to the hotel, Dean headed back out to visit the cemetery. Henry and Eric went with him. They found the crypt and its intricate lock. Eric took extensive photographs. If it hadn't been for the efforts of everyone there, Sam would have opened the crypt, releasing a plague of demons on Earth.
Instead, that evening they chowed down on a steak dinner at the motel courtesy of Julia and Graham. As if Dean didn't already owe them more than he could repay in a lifetime. Afterward, they went outside to watch the blood supermoon, Dean had one arm around Sam and the other around Chloe. His brother had a tight grip on Maia and Bobby was on her other side.
Crowley wasn't there to see the supermoon. He stayed for dinner, had a private talk with Maia and Sam, and then left, muttering something about business to attend to. But Maia had gotten him to promise he'd visit them soon. They all owed Crowley big time but he no longer made threats about exchanging favors except in jest. Someday Dean would have to figure out what was going on with him, but for now, he was content to appreciate the unexpected help.
After the eclipse, Maia and Sam withdrew to the room Henry had reserved for them. The rest of them went to Julia and Graham's suite. The couple had stocked the fridge with beer and champagne to continue the party.
Dean tried one more time to express his gratitude. When he fumbled for words, Henry interceded.
"I used to wonder why anyone would choose to be a hunter, but I'm starting to understand," Henry said. "I know I speak for everyone here that the feeling I have from helping to stop the Apocalypse is something I'll treasure all my life."
"Well said," Graham said and waggled a finger at Dean. "It's time you and Sam realize that your family doesn't stop with Bobby and your girlfriends. You got Winslow blood in you too. You don't owe us anything . . . except your promise to keep in touch."
"It's a deal," Dean said gratefully, but he still intended to pay them back somehow.
"And I'll make sure of it," Bobby added. "Henry, you mentioned talking with your mom."
"I called her while we were changing for dinner. I explained what had gone on with Sam and Maia, and she volunteered to meet with them."
"I'm not sure when we'll be able to get them to Baltimore, but I know they need therapy," Chloe said.
"That won't be necessary. Mom's already made arrangements to fly to New Haven. She'll be there tomorrow when we land."
Neal smiled. "Noelle has never been one to stand back when someone needs her help, whether or not they realize it. Dean, you and she have a lot in common. You'll get along just fine." His expression turned serious. "She pulled me out of a very dark place I'd gotten into a couple of years ago. I'm confident she'll do the same for Maia and Sam."
Henry turned to Dean. "And just so there's no misunderstanding, this also falls under the family volunteer plan."
"While we're speaking of the road forward, we have another proposal we'd like you to consider," Julia said, jumping in before Dean tripped over his words yet again. "The Men of Letters had some excellent ideas. One of their best ones was to preserve the knowledge for others to come. Graham and I would like to make a secure confidential repository within Win-Win to do just that."
"Re-establish the Men of Letters?" Dean said, uneasy over what the fallout would be.
Julia winced. "They'd need to be called the Persons of Letters, but that's not our purpose. Chloe mentioned your concerns to me when I initially broached the subject, and I've come to realize that you're right. The type of knowledge you possess isn't something to be shared among many others. But hunters need to have access, and in a timely manner."
Bobby nodded. "We can't depend solely on poring through old journals—assuming we can even find them. I've already talked with the Winslows about it and voiced my support. I'd be honored to work on the project and I know a couple of others who'd like to as well."
"Like who?" Dean asked.
"Rufus for one. He's got more knowledge in his pinky than what's found in most journals. You know his health's not great. This will give him a chance to do something truly meaningful."
"Another is Ash," Graham said. "That young wolf made quite an impression on Julia, and I gather the feeling's mutual."
"You do realize Ash lives in a roadhouse," Dean said. "You'd have to tame him before letting him anywhere near an office." Ash had been kicked out of MIT for fighting. From what Dean had seen of him, he hadn't mellowed.
"Even if he'd agree, I have no intention of relocating him," Julia said. "We'll work remotely just like we have been. That Nebraska roadhouse is a haven for hunters. Ash is much more useful where he is."
"Here's something else I'd like you to consider," Henry said. "Occasionally in our investigations, we run into some bizarre phenomena. Most of the time we have to write them off as unresolved. You've given us a new perspective. Once you've had time to regroup, I'd like you and Sam to consider going on retainer with Win-Win."
"Hey, man, I can't—"
Henry held up a hand. "Just hear me out. You'd still work jobs like before. But if Win-Win hears of a potential case in your area of expertise, we could call on you. We're already doing that, but now you'd get paid as Win-Win investigators, and we'd be able to tackle some of those cases we couldn't touch before."
"You should give it serious consideration," Sara said. "Speaking from personal experience, I know of instances where Sterling-Bosch couldn't resolve a theft and the circumstances were sufficiently unusual to raise the possibility of a paranormal influence."
"Our company's often called in when the local police or federal agents don't provide satisfaction," Graham added. "The situation's not that different from what you do."
"You'd be paid a retainer fee plus a commission on any cases you work on for us," Henry said. "You'd also be eligible for medical benefits." He nodded at Bobby's arm in a sling. "You can't tell me that's not attractive."
"Graham and Julia discussed the offer with me this morning," Bobby said. "No matter what you decide, I've already agreed, and I know Rufus will too."
Chloe wasn't saying anything. But for a moment, Dean let himself dream about what it would mean. A little regular income, medical insurance—their lives would be transformed.
"Win-Win is a family-run business," Henry said. "From where we sit, you'd fit right in."
Joining Win-Win? What would his dad and Seth say to that?
#
Neal and Sara arrived back at the mansion midafternoon on Sunday. He'd called Peter during the plane's descent to ask if the invitation was still open.
El and Peter were expecting a description of their time in Thailand. What they got instead propelled Peter into interrogation mode. He grilled both Neal and Sara as if they were witnesses at a crime scene. And in a certain sense, they were. Neal was sure Peter didn't intend it, but there was an undertone of frustration in his voice, probably caused by not having been in the loop. El seemed to sense his mood too. She asked Sara to help her in the kitchen. She even offered a plausible excuse, claiming this was their chance for girl talk.
"You were right about the blood supermoon," he told Peter. "Seeing it in Wyoming was an experience we'll never forget."
"I don't imagine you could if you wanted to. I'd never connected that passage in Revelation to the blood moon, but once you quoted it, I wonder how I could have missed it."
"There were so many times I wished you were with us," Neal said. "And not just when we realized the uncanny resemblance you have to the first Bureau director in New York City. Did you ever happen to have a mustache?"
When Peter fumbled for words, he realized he'd struck gold. "You did have a mustache! Do you have any photos?"
"Yes, and you're not seeing it. I feel about it like you do about Baby Bear."
"Point noted. Please don't tell El I missed you being there. I appreciate how dangerous the case was. So many things could have gone wrong. I was glad you were spared."
Peter's expression turned sour, clearly showing that wasn't what he wanted to hear.
"What's wrong?" Neal asked, not expecting to get much of an answer.
"It's nothing you did. Don't mind me." Peter paused and took a breath. "Transitions aren't easy."
"Would you rather we hadn't told you?"
"No!" Peter practically shouted and then added in a quieter voice, "A thousand times, no."
#
Peter shook himself mentally. Now he'd succeeded in getting Neal concerned about him. Truly pathetic. If he didn't snap out of it, Neal would never share any of his wild adventures with him again. And sure, he would have liked to have been there. Okay, given his eye teeth to be present. But that was his problem, not Neal's.
El was much more important than his desire to be on the case. And if he were brutally honest, he wouldn't have contributed much. They managed fine without him. "Have you told Mozzie?" he asked, deflecting the spotlight off himself.
Neal nodded. "I called him when we got home. After all, he was the one who discovered Sam's message in the mansion. Janet had already told him about our trip to the past. She said she was grateful he cursed only in languages she couldn't understand." He paused for a moment, his expression growing serious. "Telling him the student he knew as Quint Worland was actually Astrena's brother Thanatos was the hardest pill to swallow. I think it may be for me too. Erebus was on stage with us at the Lincoln Center. If Crowley was telling the truth—and I think he was—Astrena's father saved us from being killed."
"I met Quint. He gave every appearance of being a bright nerd. Instead, he was the one behind Mozart's ghost reappearing in our world. And even worse, he opened the rift to Oblivion."
"Dolos is much more of a problem than I appreciated," Neal said. "We correctly assumed he was in alliance with Thanatos but now he appears to have cast his lot with Lucifer as well."
"Along with Chronos." Lucifer had never seemed like anyone Peter would have to worry about in this life. But then, he'd never thought his life would cross the paths of Greek gods. The idea of a cage sounded great, but cages weren't impenetrable. "You said that Azazel told Sam he was destined to be Lucifer's vessel."
Neal nodded. "Bobby did his best to get Sam to lighten up. He said that according to Azazel, Sam was also destined to start the Apocalypse, and that didn't come to pass. And who knows if Azazel was just blowing smoke to get into Sam's mind?"
"I understand why Julia and Graham have embraced the cause."
Neal smiled. "There's a noticeable spring in Graham's step these days. Julia told me he loves the work. And now that we've seen how much he resembles Seth, we have to admit—it's in his blood!"
Peter laughed, feeling more like himself by the minute. "And Henry's too now, I gather. Do you think Dean and Sam will accept his offer?"
"They'd be fools to turn it down. Bobby's all for it. I imagine Noelle will add her encouragement. There's even talk of adding a D.I. to the payroll." Neal arched an eyebrow as if waiting for his reaction.
"D.I.?" Peter asked, playing along.
"Demonic Informant, what else?" At his snort, Neal added, "Seriously. No one would have understood the threat if Crowley hadn't clued us in."
"Do you really believe he spoke with an angel?"
Neal shrugged. "After everything else we've experienced, it doesn't seem that far-fetched. Speaking for myself, the thought that we could get an assist from an angel makes me sleep better at night."
Blue Crescent Jazz Club. Monday afternoon.
Crowley stood up to stretch his back. He'd earned a glass of Craig after reviewing Jeremy's report. The pure-blood kept meticulous records, and the club was prospering under his leadership. The fangs were behaving themselves, limiting themselves to discreet feeding without killing anyone. Drasko's identity fraud operation was proceeding smoothly. And to top it off, the Mouseketeers were back where they belonged in the Mystery Mansion. His world had never looked so good.
"And it's all because of me."
Crowley rolled his eyes. So typical of Hagen to take all the credit. Don't forget, it was my knowledge that saved the day.
"If it hadn't been for me, you might not have even told them about Azazel. The way I see it, we're a team made in heaven."
Crowley breathed a sigh of relief at the knock on his office door. Hearing Hagen inside his head was enough to curdle one's whisky.
Drasko stuck his head in. "There's a fellow outside who wants to talk with you."
"Someone from the bordello?" Very few outsiders knew about his presence in New Orleans.
The corners of Drasko's lips twitched. "Hardly likely, although some might find him appealing. He reminds me of a Cocker Spaniel. His trench coat is on its last legs."
Crowley groaned silently. A Cocker Spaniel in a worn raincoat could only mean one person. Why was he here? At least, he was being discreet. "Send him in."
As Drasko turned to leave, Castiel appeared in the doorway. "I got tired of waiting."
Drasko arched an eyebrow, mutely asking how he should handle it. Crowley dismissed the handsome vampire with a wave.
"Why the sour face?" Crowley asked once the door was closed. "Aren't you pleased? Yet again, I saved the world."
Castiel sighed deeply. "Disaster was averted this time, but some quarters feel this is only a temporary lull. Lucifer hasn't stopped plotting. Now that he has Thanatos, Dolos, and Chronos on his side, Naomi is concerned he may orchestrate attempts to break the sixty-six seals."
Naomi. Just the thought of her gave Crowley indigestion. His policy to stay far away from the head of the angel intelligence division had served him well. He'd heard of the seals in passing. Supposedly they acted as locks on Lucifer's cage.
"A few other angels and I have been commissioned to remain on Earth to ensure the seals remain intact," Castiel continued. "Your activities haven't gone unnoticed. Your knowledge of the Greek gods is a point in your favor. You gained another one by ingratiating yourself with the Winchesters. These factors help to counterbalance your less appealing attributes."
"Should I be flattered or insulted?"
"Take it whichever way you want, but if I were you, I'd be relieved. Naomi was about to order your elimination."
Crowley swallowed. "Bloody hell, what did I ever do to her?"
"Your scheme to bring Abaddon back to Earth wasn't appreciated, for one. Would you like me to continue?"
"Not necessary." Bullocks, she'd been keeping closer tabs on him than he realized.
"Naomi's willing to give you a reprieve." Castiel pondered a moment. "Probation is a more apt description. We're both being given another chance."
He already knew Castiel had been reprimanded for not toeing the line. That's why Crowley had sought his help with Azazel. Any other angel probably wouldn't have given him the time of day. "How did you curry favor with her?" Perhaps he could use the same technique.
Castiel shrugged. "Naomi decided that for once I acted correctly in assisting you. She wants me to continue."
"To do what? Hang around with me?"
"Not overtly. I'll stay in the background. I got a job at the used bookstore down the street." The poor sap actually looked happy at the thought.
"Aren't they worried I'll corrupt your soul?"
Castiel's expression turned even more hangdog. "It's already been corrupted by our association. That's another reason they selected me. They fear Lucifer will make a move on his chosen vessel. Dean could also be in danger. He has potential and should be given a chance to develop. Your closeness to the Winchesters and especially the way you've conducted yourself around Maia has made Naomi more tolerant of you, at least for now." He hesitated for a moment. "Then, there is your nature. You are . . . interesting."
"I'm bloody brilliant is what I am. But what makes me interesting to an angel?"
"You have blended souls. No other demon is known to have that. Your potential is unknown."
"You better not poke around in my business affairs," Crowley warned.
Castiel rolled his eyes. "Or what? But don't worry, I have no interest in your brothel. We also know about the vampires you employ. As long as they don't kill anyone, we won't make waves." With that Castiel vanished.
"Hear that?" Hagen was dancing a jig in his mind. "The angels think we have potential, bro! And the best part is Cas will need to visit us often."
"You're not still drooling over him, are you?" Hagen didn't need to reply. Crowley had already read his mind. Which of his many foul deeds had been so black that he'd been saddled with a meatsuit who mooned over an angel?
New Haven. Tuesday, December 2, 2006.
When Dean returned to the mansion, he found Sam sitting at the worktable in the basement, whittling a figure.
"How'd your session go?" he asked.
Sam set down his knife. "Good. Noelle's with Maia in the library. She's pleased with our progress. She's going home tomorrow, but we'll continue the sessions by phone."
"I'm glad to hear it," Dean said. He'd been skeptical that Noelle would be much help, but she'd been unexpectedly easy to get along with. More importantly, she quickly formed a connection with Sam and Maia. Both of them were now in much better shape.
"Have you decided about Henry's offer?" Sam asked.
Dean sat down next to him. "Yeah, I think we should accept it."
"You do?" Clearly not the answer he'd expected.
"Yeah, I do," Dean said more decisively. "We'll give it a shot. If we don't like it, we don't have to continue. It's not like Henry's putting any restrictions on us. Nothing will change except we'll have an extra source of income and medical benefits."
Sam smiled, looking genuinely happy, and that eased any residual doubts Dean had. The family business was about to acquire a new meaning.
Notes: I posted this a day early to take advantage of the blood moon on December 8. When I began posting the story, I didn't realize the timing would work out so well. Were supernatural forces at work? How else to explain it?
You may wonder how Dean and Sam's presence at Win-Win will affect Caffrey Conversation in future stories. The impact will be less than you might expect. Any cases involving supernatural entities will continue to be in the Crossed Lines series.
Peter didn't have a big part in this adventure, but his turn is coming. A few undercurrents are in the conversation he had with Neal in this chapter. They will be featured in my next Caffrey Conversation story, Breakaway. I'll post it on December 7. Starting with Breakaway, I intend to post all the chapters to a story on the same day. I know many of you prefer to binge-read a story, and now you'll have that option.
I recently participated in the Trick or Treat exchange on AO3. Were those same supernatural forces a factor in the request I was given? I'm suspicious since I was assigned a story featuring Crowley—but this Crowley is part of the Good Omens fandom. The story is called Ineffable Deeds. Lately, I've been trying my hand at what I call short takes—one-chapter standalones both for original works and fanfiction. I wrote about "Short Takes" for the blog this week.
If you'd like some hints about what's on tap for Breakaway and the new year, check out my blog post on December 1, "Ringing Out the Old."
Thanks for including my stories in your reading!