The loss of a loved one can destroy a person. Traci had lost all of her family. You would think she would give up on life and try to go back to something normal but Traci was different. She knew her father wanted her to go on and search for answers. So she did what she thought best and headed to the town of Northton Maryland. Two mysterious fires had occurred in the last few months and over the last year thirty people had gone missing. Traci did everything she could to find any information on the fires or the missing people. For money, she got a job at the local bar. The owner didn't care how old she was, as long as she could serve drinks.
Traci's job did not only supply her with income but also information. It amazed her how much people would spill about their lives when they were drunk. She had made friends with a man that lived across the street from the second burned house. The man was in his thirties and flirted with Traci but there was something about him. He always wanted to know about her like he was reporting a story or something. But she just disregarded it and stayed focused on the task at hand. Trying to get him to talk about the fires and disappearances. After working there for a month she finally got her chance. Jason came in late one June night.
"The usual Jase?"
"Yea Axe. Any thing strong."
"Bad night?" She asked while pouring him his usual.
"The police were back asking about my neighbors."
"The ones with the dog?"
"No the ones that were in the fires."
"What fires?" Traci asked trying to sound nonchalant.
"Well they happened two months ago. A young couple were moving in together. They were moving into the house across from mine."
"Yea."
"So one night he goes to her house to get some stuff and find his girl dead and the house on fire. At first they suspected him. But three days later his friend goes to pick him up for something. He's dead and the house is up in flames."
"That's terrible. Do they have any suspects?"
"No that's why they were around my place wondering if I saw anything strange."
"Aww. I'm sorry Jase. Next round is on me."
"You're a darling."
"I know."
Half an hour later Jason was drunk so Traci decided to ask him about the missing people.
"Hey Jase did you read the papers. Another girl went missing."
"Yea so sad. Do you want to know what I think. I think it was vampires or something. You know something weird. The one girl they found was really pale." this sparked Traci's attention.
"What do you mean?"
But Jason never answered. It appeared to Traci that he said too much as it was. So he changed the subject.
"You know maybe I should take you home tonight so nothing happens."
"I'll be alright. Max, the owner, let's me rent the room upstairs." LIE. Since she had arrived, Traci had been staying in her car but parking it in different locations. She didn't really like to stay in hotels for a long time and she only planed to stick around long enough to figure the mysteries out. What was the point in wasting her money on rent when she needed it on food, gas, and other necessities.
"Oh well. I think I am done for the night. See ya Axe."
"Bye Jason."
Great vampires she thought. It was nothing she couldn't handle but by telling by the amount of missing people it was a close group of maybe five or six. The next day Traci drove around the town looking for any place that could possibly be a vampire hideout. She found a old building on the edge of the bay which appeared to be abandoned. After prowling around she concluded this was their lair. The building reeked of blood. Traci was about to go in when she realized she had to work. She needed the money bad and the vampires would be there in the morning. Traci headed to the bar. She did her normal routine until closing. Before she left she went into the back of the bar. Two of the bar stools had been broken and Traci thought they would be perfect for makeshift stakes. Then she headed out to her car.
Surrounding her car she found three men.
"Hey pretty lady."
"Get lost."
"Oh don't be like that. We only want to talk."
"Well I don't." Traci went to get into her car when the tallest one blocked her. She then punched him in the jaw. When he didn't bleed she realized these were the vampires.
"Damn it." He cursed. "Well get her." The other tow attacked. Traci grabbed inside her bag for the a stake. One vampire came up from behind. She pulled out the stake and ploughed it in his heart. She then went to destroy the other two when she heard the click of a gun.
"Now drop the stake and turn around slowly." The tallest one said. Carefully, Traci spun around to see the taller one wheedling a gun. "The boss wants you alive. Now drop the stake." Traci waited a few seconds then did as she was told. "Get in the car. You're driving." The smaller vampire grabbed her bag then got into the back seat. The taller one kept his gun pointed at Traci as she drove to their hideout. Once there the pushed her inside. There she found two more vampires. The one in the leather jacket, she assumed to be the leader. He looked like a little kid trying to dress up as a biker.
"Here she is Blake."
"Where's Damien?"
"She killed him." Blake turned his attention to Traci.
"So you're Axe. Sorry we had to meet this way. I have heard so many wonderful things about you from my associate."
"Who are you?"
"Oh please forgive me. I am Blake, leader of this little group. I was hoping to meet you on more pleasant terms to discuss a transformation but my associate gave away our cover. So I must do what I have to."
"Who is your associate?" All the while Traci is asking she is searching the room for any possible weapons. The smaller vampire was still carrying her bag but just in case she couldn't get to it, she needed a back up plan.
"Ah. Here he is." Entering through the door Traci just came, walked in Jason.
"Jason?"
"Sorry Axe. I slipped in our conversation last night. And Blake doesn't want any loose ends."
"But you're human."
"He is our day runner. He saw you sneaking around this morning and we cant have that. Now if you relax this will go a lot easier." Traci got in her fighting stance but quickly Blake's minions were grabbing her arms to restrain her.
Traci struggled and fought as best she could but the three vampires holding her had a good grip. Blake came closer placing a cold hand on her cheek. She turned her head then kicked him. This caught Blake off guard. "Bitch. I guess this will not be so easy for you then." His evil smile revealed the sharpened canine teeth. He was ready to make the bite, Traci still struggled, not giving up hope. Blake was inches away and Traci managed to get her foot loose again to make a second kick when someone burst through the door. Blake turned to see who the new intruders were.
"Hey." Someone yelled. The vampires turned giving Traci the chance to struggle free. Traci then saw the new arrivals. A young man, not much older than herself, with spiked blonde hair. Along side him was an older man with short brown hair. Both men were wheedling long stakes. While the vampires were distracted, Traci quickly got to her bag and took out her own stake.
She turned to find both men in battle and a vampire waiting for her. She made short work of him. When she was done she saw Blake. He knocked her stake away, but she kicked him causing him to fall into some scattered boxes. Traci grabber her stake then turned to go after Blake however, she noticed the younger man being cornered with no weapons by two vamps, one being the larger one from earlier.
"Damn it!" Save him or Kill Blake? She made her decision quick. "Hey!" She yelled. This caught the attention of the larger vampire. Once he turned she threw he stake hitting the vampire in the heart. Ash filed the air where the vampire previously stood. This distraction allowed the young man to gain the upper hand by fighting his way out of the corner.
Traci turned her attention back to Blake. But he was not among the boxes. "over here sweetheart." he said as his fist collided with her stomach. With the wind knocked out of her, she found herself on the ground. Behind her she could feel her bag with spare stakes inside. "I would love to change you. Your abilities are impressive. We could rule the world."
"I doubt that. I don't date Fonzie wanna bes." A now enraged Blake came at her but Traci drew her weapon from her bag. Blake stepped back and looked at his chest to find the stake lodged in his heart. "Bitch." was his last words before he turned to ash.
Traci dusted her self off and saw that the vampires had been destroyed. Jason was crouching in a corner and the two visitors were closing in on him, stakes drawn.
"Wait. He's human." Traci said as she crossed in front of them. She knelt down beside Jason and withdrew her dagger she always kept on her right leg. She then positioned the blade toward Jason's neck.
"Answer my questions and you can live. Understand?" Jason nodded. "Good. Were the vamps the ones that started the fires?"
"Yes. Blake said he needed to get rid of the bodies."
"Were you there?"
"Yea. Please don't kill me Axe."
"I'm not. Unless you don't do as I say." She pulled out her cell. "I can handle him if you two would like to leave." Traci said to the two strangers.
"We'll wait for you downstairs." said the older man.
Traci had Jason call the police and confess to starting the fires. She then waited with him until the cops came. Once she was done with the police, she went to her car to find an Impala parked beside it and the two men close by.
"Who are you two cause neither of you look like Buffy."
"Your dad said you were funny."
"excuse me. How do you know my dad?"
"I'm John Winchester. This is my son, Dean."
"Oh. The man my father went to see. Why are you here?"
"To speak with you about your father's wishes."
"What do you mean? I am still searching for that killer. Nothing will keep me from it. Not even my father's request."
"No. Your father and I spoke about what we should do if one of us passed away."
"I don't see how this pertains to me."
"Your father and I decided that if something happened to the other then we would help the children of the other."
"So my dad wanted you to watch over me. Baby sit me. I am alright on my own."
"Yea we could see that. All those vamps were cowering in fear when we arrived." said Dean.
"I could have handled myself without your help. And as I recall I saved your ass." She paused. They did save her. "Look I appreciate your wanting to help me out but I am fine Mr. Winchester."
"Please call me John."
"Fine John. I am grateful you both helped me back there. But now I am going to pick up my paycheck then move on. If I find anything out about what ever destroyed our families then I will call you."
"Wait please. At least stay with us in our hotel for the night. We have seen you haven't had a good meal either."
"Have you been watching me?"
"We saw you sleeping in your car a few nights ago."
"I appreciate the offer but no."
"Come on. There will be evil things you can kill tomorrow after some sleep and a meal." said Dean.
Traci thought about her choices. These two men weren't bad and their offer was tempting.
"Are you sure it will be no inconvenience to you?"
"Yes."
"Okay then. But only for tonight." Traci followed them back to their motel. A run down building with only a few occupants. Traci walked into their room to see two beds, a small tv, and a door that led to the bathroom.
"There are only two beds. I am going to be a problem."
"No. Dean is going to sleep on the floor."
"What?" Dean said in protest.
"You will be a gentleman and give up your bed."
"Why don't we just share. What do you say Axe?"
"I'll sleep in my car."
"No. I was just kidding. You can have the bed. The floor is good for my back."
"Thanks." Traci quickly took a shower then John took his leaving Dean and Traci alone.
"So Traci so what are you into?"
"What do you mean?"
"What kind of movies do you like? What music? Anything?"
"I don't watch too much tv. I like rock and southern country I guess. That's kinda it."
"Oh." The two sat in silence until John got out of his shower. Dean then took his turn.
"Traci what did your father tell you about your family?"
"Mom was killed by that son of a bitch and my brother is still out there. Why?"
"I just wasn't sure if he told you everything."
"So you knew about Alex?"
"Yes."
"Ugh. I just don't understand why he would keep that from me."
"He didn't want you to feel guilty."
"Too late. Did my father tell you everything?"
"About your dream? Yes. He basically told me everything incase he died. And just like him I told him everything about my life."
"Does Dean know?"
"He only knows your family was killed. Not about Alex or your dream."
"Why haven't you told him?"
"Because your father made me promise that everything we discussed would be kept between us."
"Well thanks."
A few minutes later Dean emerged from the bathroom. "So where are we eating?" John asked.
"You can pick Axe." Dean said.
"I don't care." eventually they decided to grab a pizza. The ride there was quiet. Traci sat in the back as Dean drove. The conversation at he place was polite, just getting to know each other. Traci couldn't see why. She had no intention of sticking around past eight tomorrow morning.
"What about your other son Mr. Winchester?"
"John."
"Sorry John."
"Sam is at college. He wanted to take a break."
"That would be nice. What about you Dean?"
"School really wasn't my thing. I would rather travel."
"That's cool." Soon the subject changed. Traci could tell Sam was a sore subject to the other Winchesters. After they finished, the three headed back to the hotel. John went to speak with the manager about possible mail, so again Dean and Traci were alone.
"Look Dean I don't want to take your bed." A wide smile appeared on his face. "But I'm not going to share. So you take the bed. And I'll sleep on the floor."
"No. it's no problem. You need to get some good sleep. Tomorrow we are heading to Texas."
"I'm not going with you."
"Why? You know your not the only one that has lost someone."
"I know that. I just don't need a babysitter. I'm glad my dad was looking out for me but I can handle myself."
"Your dad probably didn't want you to be alone. He thought you might want company. There's nothing wrong with having help. You know my dad and I wouldn't treat you like a child or anything. We'll even let you stay up after eight."
"Ha ha ha. I'll sleep on it." Traci was tired of being alone. It had only been a few months since her father passed but since then she hasn't been able to talk with anyone about her feelings or what she had been through. She found comfort in talking to John. He understood what she was going through. And Dean wasn't bad. Sure he was cocky but he was going through the same thing she was.
Traci felt bad as she watched Dean lay out on the floor. But once her head hit the pillow she was gone. It had been a couple of months since she had slept in an actual bed. The back of her car wasn't so bad but she couldn't stretch out. Traci wrestled with her decision all night.