Chapter Two

The Artifact

Dean and Sam arrived in Cicero around noon. They changed into fresh clothes and Sam waited patiently by the car as Dean paid for two cappuccinos in the Quik Trip. It was a relief to be in a big city now. They had usually worked with small towns and Sam enjoyed the sights of tall buildings and sky scrapers.

Sam, now dressed in a pair of fresh jeans and a black T-shirt, pulled his brown jacket back on as his brother came out. He had changed his shirt and jeans and Dean walked out with a more comfortable expression on his face. He handed the plastic cup to Sam and both brothers leaned against the car drinking their breakfast.

"I just gave a call to the police station that is holding the artifact," Dean explained and he took a long sip.

Sam nodded and asked, "And?"

Dean sighed and said, "I told them we were reporters from the paper and we wanted to write an article about the murder."

"Everything okay, then?" Sam asked.

"Geez, chill dude," Dean snapped. "Everything is fine. No fake ID for this one. The commissioner is expecting us, actually, so yeah. He has arranged we meet with someone in charge of the evidence department."

"You know it happened again…last night…" Sam said slowly. His tone filled with sorrow and almost guilt. Dean looked at his brother and gave him his best comforting glance.

"We'll figure this out, c'mon," Dean said, patting his brother's back.

Sam opened the passenger side door and sat down as Dean closed the door for him.

Dean knew Sam had somewhat let go of Jessica's death. The nightmares had almost ceased, but then again Sam was good at pretending he was dreaming of something pleasant.

Tossing the plastic cup on the pavement, Dean walked around the car and opened the driver's side. Within moments, the car started and took off down the road.

O.O.O.O.O.

"So, you boys working with the paper?" Officer Jensen asked. He was a tall, lanky man with thin blonde hair. His outfit looked too large for him for it looked like five of his small arms combined could fill the sleeve.

Dean and Sam followed him down a corridor as the officer pulled out a set of keys in front of a door marked EVIDENCE.

"What are your names, again?" the officer asked.

"Oh, uh, I'm Jay and this is Bob…" Dean said perfectly. Sam rolled his eyes.

"Hmm, sounds familiar…I probably have read some of your articles," Officer Jensen replied.

"Actually, we're new to the city and all," Sam replied.

"Chicago's a good place…minus the killins'…" Officer Jensen replied as the door opened before the three.

They stepped inside and the Winchester brothers noticed large shelves containing plastic tupperware.

Officer Jensen went to a nearby desk and he opened a drawer and pulled out a pair of white rubber gloves. He silently moved to another nearby desk with three tupperware boxes. He opened one of them and pulled out a large Ziploc bag and he turned around and walked over with it to Sam and Dean.

The officer carefully opened the bag and pulled out an old looking piece of orange-yellow-brown paper. He held it in both of his hands and held it out to Sam and Dean.

"The only thing we can find about the evidence is that it is made of very old papyrus…just like in Egyptian times…the writing can't be translated…I heard that either later this afternoon or tomorrow…this thing is going to be shipped to a nearby college soon for examination…"

"Fingerprints?" Sam asked.

He shook his hand and Officer Jensen said, "Nope. Clean. Even the bodies have been examined and we found nothing. The writing found here on this old paper…some of the same symbols are carved into the skin of the victims."

"Any leads?" Dean asked.

Officer Jensen sighed and said, "Nope. This case has got the detectives stumped. I swear…there's really a strange thing involved with this case…"

Dean and Sam exchanged a small glance and then both focused back on the piece of paper with the old writing on it.

"You said you're sending it to a college for examination?" Dean asked.

A small nod and a half-smile and Officer Jensen sighed, "Not sure exactly. We've been trying to contact colleges and universities in the area that may have professors who can translate or at least figure out any information. The curator from the museum in Cairo is flying here next week to help with the investigation."

"Oh," Sam offered, "this piece of evidence was from Cairo, Egypt?"

The officer looked up and nodded. "Yes. See, this old piece of papyrus was apparently going to be used in a show in one of the museums. It was reported stolen the moment it was found missing."

"Can you tell us when this artifact arrived from Egypt and when it was stolen?" inquired Dean.

"Three weeks ago exactly," Officer Jensen answered, "it was still in special security cargo when it was stolen. Christ, there's still a big controversy whether or not the department can keep this as evidence or if it goes back to the museum. Either way, when that curator from Cairo arrives, nothing will be decided."

Sam nodded and gave a warm smile. "Thank you for your time. Is there any way we can scan the evidence and make a copy on paper…for the magazine…?"

The room seemed to become tiny. Tension grew. Officer Jensen narrowed his eyes and he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

Dean took a step to the side and Sam watched his move carefully. He was praying that Dean wouldn't try to do anything stupid.

Before anything could be done, there was a knock behind the door.

Officer Jensen looked to the door and then back at Sam. He returned a courteous smile and said, "Sorry kid, can't let you have a copy. Here…you can look at if you like…excuse me…"

The piece of papyrus, carefully set on the plastic bag, was handed into Sam's hands and he took it carefully.

The officer smiled at both brothers and then walked behind them and disappeared behind the door to speak with someone.

O.O.O.O.O.

"Glad I could help, I look forward to reading that article," Officer Jensen called as he walked Dean and Sam stroll across the parking lot.

Dean waved behind him and his small grin turned into a sly smile as he and Sam stepped inside the car and closed the doors.

Sam gently reached inside his jacket and pulled out the artifact – the piece of papyrus.

Both smiled and Dean started the engine and turned out of parking lot.

O.O.O.O.O.

"'Kay, so…we have this ancient Egyptian paper…five victims…all with old symbols carved into their skin…no explanation for death except their hearts stopped…and the first victim was found with the artifact…"

Sam nodded and said, "We might have to visit one of the universities…talk with someone who might be able to help…"

Dean nodded as he drove. He took one hand off the wheel and pulled out a folded piece of notebook paper from his pocket. He looked down for a moment and said, "Concordia University…Loyola University…which one…"

There was a look on Sam's face suddenly that made Dean narrow his eyes at him. His brother had a small secretive grin and for a moment he almost laughed; Dean continued to stare at Sam questionably and asked, "What…?"

"Northwestern University…" Sam answered. "We can get help there…"

"Northwestern…that works…by why there?" Dean asked.

Sam let out a small laugh and said, "Just a good feeling."

O.O.O.O.O.