Author's Note: Hey guys, thank you for all the love and support! I'm really dying to know if you guys like the idea of Judson or not? And also if you think tackling two stories at once would be too much? Holler and let me know, you can review or PM! Thanks lovelies! And a special thank you to Ladysunshine6 for the inspiration to get this chapter going!
PS: Its late! I just finished this! I'm going to be up in 5 hours to do my first of 4 12hr shifts in a row. So please know how much I love you all to force myself to finish a chapter before going to bed and leaving you all empty handed. Enjoy! Sorry for any mistakes- no time to proofread!
It was bright when I started to stir awake. I felt… rested. I felt like for the first time in forever I had slept and truly rested. I stretched, listening to the sounds of someone sipping coffee and typing on a computer. I thought back to last night's turn of events. I remembered sobbing in the bathroom, being in there with Dean. Fantastic. Just what we need… more bullshit.
I vaguely remember telling him about the demon at the crossroads… but. I don't remember much after that. I assume we sat in the floor until I fell asleep, then he must've carried me to the bed. I guess I better get up and face this now rather than later. I took a deep breath and began pulling the blankets off of me as I sat on the edge of the bed.
Dean was reading the paper, pen in hand. Looking for a case no doubt, Sam was the one hastily typing away on the laptop. Both were sipping their coffee. I stood and Sam briefly acknowledged me with a look before turning back to his laptop. Well, that's not a good sign.
I grabbed a water bottle, and sat at the table.
"So. How long was I out?"
"About 10 hours… beats your record of 3 or 4 hours a night here lately." Dean said without looking up. He's mad.
"Yeah I guess it does."
"So, the other day. You took off for a "walk" am I right? That's when you pulled your little stunt?"
"Yeah. It was." I said looking down, bumping Sam with my foot, begging him to step in. He very attentively ignored me.
"What the hell were you thinking?"
"Dean you already know what I was thinking." I said rolling my eyes.
"How could you be so stupid? You do NOT just go around hanging out with demons because you're feeling a little moody! You could've gotten yourself killed! She could have taken you! Possessed you! Sliced you into pieces and dropped you off at our doorstep! NEVER again!"
"Oh screw you! You know I'm plenty capable of taking down one little demon! I'm still here aren't I?!"
"You won't be if you pull a stunt like that again." He growled. Then his face changed for a split second, you could have missed it if you blinked. "…So you killed her… and it didn't break the deal?" He then asked hesitantly.
"No. It didn't." I said staring at the ugly table in front of me. "She said someone else holds your contract. Her boss or something."
"Well did she say who it was?"
"No. Said she couldn't tell me."
"Well… you know we could go back and interrogate her. OH, wait… no we can't. BECAUSE YOU KILLED HER!"
"Dean! Stop! I couldn't help it! Okay?! I just… it happened. It just took me over!"
"Wait, you mean you didn't shoot her?" Sam asked.
"No. Check the colt. All bullets accounted for." I said shakily. "It just… I was so mad. I was so desperate to save you… and when she said I couldn't. I just… lost it."
"Em… how did you kill her?"
"… kind of like I did Jake. Like I almost did Dean." I whispered.
Dean took a deep sigh, sitting back and running his hand over his face.
"What about the girl she was possessing?" Dean asked me.
"I… I'm pretty sure I killed her too." I said choking on the words. Sam quickly grabbed my hand under the table and squeezed it, sending me stares of pity. I don't want the pity. I murdered someone. Someone innocent. I let the anger towards the demon blind my guilt at the time, but having to admit it out loud to my brothers caused that guilt to come back with a vengeance.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to."
"We know Em. Its gonna be okay." Sam said reassuringly. Dean didn't speak. "Hey, why don't you go take a shower, get cleaned up. We'll hit the road when you're done okay?"
I shook my head and made my way to the bathroom.
(Sam's POV)
"Dean. You know if she hadn't done it, I would have. And I would have wasted a bullet."
"Don't encourage her! Stop dragging her along in your little rescue mission! Look what's happened now?! An innocent woman is dead Sam! Emily… our Emily. She killed someone. Because she snuck off and couldn't control herself. She is OUR responsibility. She wasn't supposed to be out there alone! This isn't on her! Its on you!" He yelled as he got up from the table, slamming his chair to the ground and storming out.
Maybe he's right. Maybe this is on me… she wouldn't have gone out there if I hadn't dragged her into helping me. If we hadn't talked about using the colt… summoning the demon.
Maybe it is my fault that some girls dead and that Emily is smothering herself in the guilt. I mean is there really anything we can do? Can we do anything to save him at this point? I can't lose him. I can't let Emily lose him… we need Dean. Dean runs the show, he takes charge and takes care of us. He's the one who's always held this family together. Without him it'll just fall apart.
The bathroom door opening caught my attention and pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Hey, where'd De go?" She asked looking around.
"I'm not sure kiddo."
"He's really mad isn't he?" She asked timidly.
"Not at you sweetheart. He's just frustrated. I think secretly he wanted our plan to work as much as we did. And now he's just worried about you, he doesn't want you to have anything else to worry about."
"Sammy… what are we gonna do?" She asked coming over to sit on my knee, I wrapped my arms around her. She was so weak. Even though the dark rings under her eyes are lighter today then they had been in weeks, I could still see she was barely pulling herself together every day. How am I gonna get her through life if we lose Dean? How can I save her?
"I don't know Em. We'll just have to find out who holds his contract. See what we can do from there."
"Sam… If I tell you something, do you swear not to tell Dean."
"Yeah sure hunny what is it?"
"I. I tried to switch… with Dean. I tried to get the demon to trade us."
"Emily why would you do that?!" I said pulling her away from me to look her in the eye. "You know Dean would never forgive himself if you did that! It would only make this so much worse… you know you are the most important thing to both of us! If it took both of us going to hell to save you, we'd do it without blinking."
"I just… wanted to save him so bad. But she said they didn't want me. They said that I was just a risk for them… that I was worthless."
"Emily. You can't do this… You can't put yourself on the hook like that. Promise me."
"I promise."
"We'll figure something else out Em… I promise you. I won't let you lose him."
"Sammy its not just for me… its for you too, I don't want you to live without him."
"I know sweetheart, lets just… lay low with demons for a few days okay? Let Dean cool down."
"Okay. Hey Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"If… if we can't save him. We'll always have each other still, right?"
My heart instantly cracked… she's losing hope. She's giving up.
"Of course, I'll never leave you alone."
"Promise?"
"Pinky Promise." I smiled, reaching my hand up to hers, she laughed slightly before wrapping our fingers together. "C'mon, lets pack up so we can roll out when he gets back."
"Okay." She smiled slightly, getting up and starting to put her things away. Man. She's so grown up… I can't believe I gave up 4 years with her.
4 years.
(Emily's POV)
The next day I stood in the large fancy living room of a woman named Gert. She was rich, with poor taste in decoration. I mean seriously, this place belongs in the 1930s.
At least I can giggle as she flirts with Sam. Dean seems to find it amusing as well. Sam however, is as red as can be.
"But I don't understand. I already went over all this with the other detectives." She said, something we hear quite often actually. I mean is it that hard to grasp that they may actually want to double check the story?
"Right, yes. But, see, we're with the Sheriff's Department, not the police department – different departments." Dean said with a kind smile.
"So, Mrs. Case... " Sam said to prompt her to tell her to explain her story.
"Please. Misses Case." She told him with a naughty wink. I half gagged half laughed, but hid it all quite well.
"Okay. Um, Ms. Case, um... you were the one who found your niece, correct?" Sam asked.
"I came home, she was in the shower."
"Drowned?"
"So the coroner says. Now, you tell me, how can someone drown in the shower?"
"How would you describe Sheila's behavior in the days before her death? I mean, did she seem frightened? Maybe she said something out of the ordinary, or ...?"
"Wait a minute. You're working with Alex, aren't you?" The woman suddenly asked with a smile. I took this opportunity before the boys could ruin it for us.
"Yep. Absolutely. That's… Alex and us, we're like this." I said crossing my fingers.
"Why didn't you say so? Alex has been such a comfort. But I'm sorry. I thought the case was solved."
"Uh... Well, no. No, not yet." I smiled politely.
"I see."
"So, anyways, we were talking about your niece." Dean stepped in and said, pulling us back on track.
"Well, yes. Sheila mentioned something quite strange before she died. She said she saw a boat."
"A boat?"
"Yes. One minute it was there, then it was gone. It just disappeared right before her eyes. You think it could be a ... ghost ship? Alex thinks it could be a ghost ship." Gert said, looking only at Sam everytime she answered.
"Well, um ... Could be." Sam said uncomfortably. Again I had to stifle my giggle.
"Well. You let me know if there's anything else I can do for you. Anything at all." She said running her hand over his, okay… now I'm gonna puke. If Sam doesn't beat me to it based on the look on his face.
"What a crazy old broad." Dean mumbled as we began walking down the docks back towards Baby.
"Why? Because she believes in ghosts?" Sam asked. I stopped and shot him an amused look, Dean caught this and winked at me before speaking.
"Look at you, sticking up for your girlfriend. You cougar hound." Dean mocked.
"Bite me."
"Hey, not if she bites you first." Dean shot him a knowing look.
"So, who's this Alex? We got another player in town?" I said stuck on the name… I don't know any hunters named Alex, and female?
"Maybe, maybe not. Doesn't change our job." Sam said.
"And what looked like a ghost ship, right?" Dean asked.
"Yeah. It's not the first one sighted around here, either."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Every 37 years, like clockwork, reports of a vanishing three-mast clipper ship out in the bay. And every 37 years, a rash of weirdo, dry-land drownings."
"So, whatever's happening is just getting started." I added.
"Yeah."
"What's the lore?"
"Well, there are apparitions of old wrecks sighted all over the world. The S.S. Violet, the Griffin, the Flying Dutchman – almost all of them are death omens."
"So, what happens? You see the ship and then a few hours later, you pucker up and kiss your ass goodbye?"
"Basically."
"Well remind me not to keep my eyes on the horizon while we're in town." I mused.
"What's the next step?" Dean asked.
"I gotta I.D. the boat." Sam answered.
"That shouldn't be too hard. I mean, how many three-mast clipper ships have wrecked off the coast?"
"I checked that too, actually. Over one hundred and fifty."
"Wow."
"Yeah."
"Hey maybe we'll find some actual pirates!" I said excitedly… I love pirates! Dean and Sam both rolled their eyes, I looked back ahead, knowing we should be getting close to Baby by now… wait. There's the boat dock with the green boat at the end… and the busted rope on the walk way. We were parked right here…. Oh. No. Shit… Deans gonna freak.
"Uh… Sammy." I whispered, trying to warn him, but Dean caught his attention first.
"This is where we parked the car, right?"
"I thought so." Sam answered.
Oh no… this is gonna be bad. So. So bad.
"Where's my car?" Dean asked slightly more calm then I anticipated.
"Did you feed the meter?" Sam asked.
"Yes, I fed the meter. Sam, where's my car? Somebody stole my CAR!" Dean said in a panic… and there it is.
"De! Calm down, its okay!" I said stepping in front of him and grabbing his broad shoulders/
"I am calmed down! Somebody stole my ca—" Dean began to hyperventilate.
"Whoa.. whoa hey take it easy, breathe!" Sam told him coming over, poor Dean. Its odd being on the other side of this, usually it's the boys calming me down.
(he begins hyperventilating, bending over to clutch his knees to calm down)
"The '67 Impala? Was that yours?" A soft voice called, we all turned…. Fuck.
"Bela." Sam sighed.
"I'm sorry. I had that car towed."
"You what?!"
"Well, it was in a tow-away zone."
"No, it wasn't!"
"It was when I finished with it."
"What the hell are you even doing here?"
"A little yachting." She smiled casually.
"You're Alex. You're working with that old lady." I said putting two and two together.
"Gert's a dear old friend."
"Yeah, right. What's your angle?" I asked crossing my arms.
"There's no angle. There's a lot of lovely old women like Gert up and down the eastern seaboard. I sell them charms, perform séances so they can commune with their dead cats."
"And let me guess, it's all a con, none of it's real." Dean added.
"The comfort I provide them is very real."
"How do you sleep at night?" Sam asked her.
"On silk sheets, rolling naked in money." Dean appeared to be visualizing this, and enjoying it. I rolled my eyes and slapped him on the chest. "Really, Sam. I'd expect the attitude from him, but you?" Bela asked feigning innocence.
"You shot my sister!"
"I barely grazed her, and it was between the two of you so it looks like I did you a favor." She smirked.
"Keep talking bitch. I'm still gonna repay you for that." I told her.
"Cute. But a bit of a drama queen, yeah?" She asked the boys motioning to me. I went to step forward but Dean held me back. I groaned.
"You do know what's going on around here. This ghost-ship thing, it is real." Sam told her.
"I'm aware. Thanks for telling Gert the case wasn't solved, by the way."
"It isn't."
"She didn't know that. Now the old bag's stopped payment and she's demanding some real answers."
"Oh boo hoo bitch." I said rolling my eyes.
"Look... just stay out of my way before you cause any more trouble. I'd get to that car if I were you... before they find the arsenal in the trunk. Ciao."
"Fucking bitch." I mumbled as she walked away. "C'mon De. She's right, lets go get Baby."
"Can I shoot her?" Dean asked casually.
"Not in public."
We had barely retrieved Baby and made it back to the hotel in time to finish our food before the police scanner dinged… another death. On the road again we go.
When we arrived on the scene, Bela was already there, talking to the vic's family. Posing as a reporter. She's disgusting. The guy LITERALLY just died. What makes you think anyone would want to talk to the press right now?
"No. The police said that he drowned, but ... I don't u-understand how..." The man was saying as we approached form behind Bela.
"I am so sorry for your loss, Mr. Warren. Now, if you could just tell me one more time about the ship your brother saw."
"Ma'am, I think this man's been through quite enough. You should go." Dean said flashing his badge as we stepped between them.
"But I just have a few more questions." She replied with a tight smile.
"No, you don't." I told her firmly.
"Thank you for your time." She said, while shooting daggers at the three of us.
"Sorry you had to deal with that. They're like ROACHES." Dean said, the last part coming out loud enough for her to hear. I smirked.
"So, we heard you say your brother saw a ship." Sam asked.
"Yeah, that's right."
"Did he tell you what it looked like?" I asked.
"It was, uh... like the old Yankee clippers. A smuggling vessel. The rakish topsail, a barkentine rigging. Angel figurehead on the bow."
"That's a lot of detail for a ship your brother saw." I told him curiously.
"My brother and I were night diving. I saw the ship, too." We all exchanged a glance. When I looked back I noticed Bela behind him, talking to the police and pointing at us. Fuck. I nudged Sam and pointed. Time to go!
"All right. Well, we'll be in touch." Sam told him before we all hauled ass back to the car. We drove to a wooded clearing outside of town to get our stuff together incase Bela had put them on our trail.
"I see you got your car back." An annoying voice called over to us as we were all buried into the trunk.
"You really want to come near me when I got a loaded gun in my hands?" I asked.
"Now, now. Mind your blood pressure. Why are you even still here? You have enough to I.D. the boat."
"That guy back there saw the ship." Sam told her.
"Yeah? And?"
"And, he's going to die, so we have to save him."
"How sweet." Bela smiled.
"You think this is funny?" Dean asked her.
"He's cannon fodder. He can't be saved in time, and you know it."
"Yeah, well, see, we have souls, so ... we're gonna try." Not for long you don't I said to myself… glad the words stayed in my head and never left my mouth. I instantly felt guilty.
"Yeah, well, I'm actually going to find the ship and put an end to this. But you have fun."
"Hey, Bela, how'd you get like this, huh? What, did Daddy not give you enough hugs or something?" Dean called as she began to walk away.
"I don't know. Your daddy give you enough?" She called back.
"Hey! You don't get to speak of my father." I told her angrily.
" Don't you dare look down your noses at me. You're no better than I am."
"We help people." Dean told her.
"Come on. You do this out of vengeance and obsession. You're a stone's throw from being a serial killer. Whereas I, on the other hand, I get paid to do a job and I do it. So, you tell me – which is healthier?"
"Bela, why don't you just leave? We've got work to do." Sam told her.
"Yeah. You're 0 for 2. Bang-up job so far." She teased walking away, I turned and chunked the bullet in my hand at the back of her head. It hit dead center and she stopped, turning back to me.
"The next bullet moves a lot faster, but I promise the aim won't suffer from it." I told her with a smile. She looked nervous for only a split second before laughing and walking away.
"I thought I was gonna get to shoot her." Dean whined as we all piled into the car.
"Guess we'll just have to see who can draw faster." I winked at him. He smiled back and Sam shook his head at us.
"Anything good?" I asked as I heard Sam shuffle through papers in the front seat. We had been sitting outside dudes house for HOURS. We've gone through the food, I had to pee, and my ipod battery died. So here I lay in the backseat, bored out of my mind.
"No, not really. I mean, both brothers are Duke University grads. No criminal record. I mean, a few speeding tickets. They inherited their father's real estate fortune six years ago."
"How much?" Dean asked.
"$112 million."
"Nice life." Dean whistled.
"Yeah. I mean, nice, clean, aboveboard. So why did they see the ship? Why Sheila, too? What do they all have in common?"
"Maybe nothing." I sighed.
"No. There's always something."
"Hey, you!" I heard a man yell. I instantly sat up and saw Peter coming towards the gate in his driveway.
"I think we've been made." Dean mumbled.
"What are you guys doing?! You watching me?"
"Sir, calm down. Please." Sam told him calmly.
"You guys aren't cops! Not dressed like that. Not – not in that crappy car."
"Whoa, hey. No need to get nasty." Dean cut in.
"We are cops, okay? We're undercover. We're here because we think you're in danger." I told him.
"From who?!"
"If you just settle down, we'll talk about it."
"Look, you three just stay away from me!" He said as he ran towards his car and began to drive away.
"Wait!" I yelled.
"Hey, you moron! We're trying to help you!" Dean added…. Not helping Dean! As his car got close to the gate, it stopped. Uh oh. The lights flickered and the engine choked before dying. That's a really big uh oh.
"That can't be good." Dean said.
"No. Get the salt gun." Sam said as Dean ran back but Sam and I rushed towards the car once we hopped the wall around his property. When we got there we could see Peter… drowning. The inside of his car filled with water, and then there was another man sitting beside him. I jumped for the door but they all suddenly locked.
"Sam! I can't get in!"
"Peter!" Sam said slamming on the window… but it was too late. The spirit stared at Sam.
"Sam!" Dean called, Sam turned and ducked, Dean shot and the spirit disappeared. Sam instantly rips open the car door to feel for a pulse. But I already knew there wouldn't be one. Sam shook his head and Dean kicked the car out of frustration. …Dammit. We lost another one.
That seems to be a theme lately… people we can't save.
Brothers I can't save.
Not saving people. Yeah… that's not exactly what Dad had planned when he tossed us the family business.
We climbed into the car silent… all of us feeling it but none of us saying it.
"Do one of you wanna say it or should I?" Dean said. Well… I guess someone's gonna say it.
"What?" Sam asked.
"We can't save everybody, Sam."
"Yeah, right, so – so what, you feel better now or what?"
"No, not really."
"Me neither." I added. They both glanced at me.
"You gotta understa—"
"It's just lately, I feel like I can't save anybody." I said cutting him off… unintentionally ending the conversation. He sighed sadly before turning the music back up.
It was a rough night for the Winchesters. We bailed from the motel, and instead bunked down in an abandoned house that was closer to where the vics were killed. Plus it was free. We huddled down in the floor beside the fire place and all tossed and turned all night long. The next morning I was picking split ends out of my hair while Sam did some research and Dean made phone calls. As you can see I was extremely productive.
A knock at the door caught our attention. What the hell? Who even knows we're here?
Dean hung up and walked over, Sam and I with guns close by watched carefully. The door opened and my eyes instantly rolled, Sam went back to typing annoyed.
"Dear ... God. Are you actually squatting? Charming." Bela smiled. Dean huffed. "So how'd things go last night with Peter?"
None of us replied or made eye contact.
"That well, huh?"
"If you say 'I told you so', I swear to God I'll start swinging." Dean warned her.
"Look, I think the four of us should have a heart-to-heart."
"That's assuming that you have a heart." I pointed out kindly.
"Emily, please... I'm sorry about what I said before, okay? I come bearing gifts."
"Such as?" Sam asked.
"I've ID'd the ship." She said unzipping her portfolio and sitting down across from Sam at the old rickety table that only had two chairs.
"It's the Espírito Santo, a merchant sailing vessel, quite a colorful history. In 1859 a sailor was accused of treason. He was tried aboard ship in a kangaroo court and hanged. He was 37."
"Which would explain the 37 year cycle." Sam mumbled.
"Aren't you a sharp tack? There's a photo of him somewhere ... here." She said flipping the photo around for us to see.
"Isn't that the customer we saw last night?" I asked Sam.
"You saw him?" Bela asked surprised.
"Yeah, that's him, except he was missing a hand." Sam answered us both.
"His right hand?"
"How'd you know?"
"The sailor's body was cremated, but not before they cut off his hand to make a hand of glory."
"A hand of glory? I think I got one of those at the end of my Thai massage last week. Dean laughed. None of us found it amusing and he abruptly stopped once he realized that. Oh brother of mine… you are something else.
"Dean, the right hand of a hanged man is a serious occult object. It's very powerful." Sam pointed out.
"And officially counts as remains." I added. "But still, none of this explains why the ghost is choosing these victims."
"I'll tell you why. Who cares? Find the hand, burn it, and stop the bloody thing." Bela pushed. Wait… somethings up. I swapped looks with a curious Dean. He was thinking the same thing I was.
"I don't get it. Why are you telling us all of this?" Dean asked her.
"Because I know exactly where the hand is."
"Where?"
"At the Sea Pines Museum. It's a macabre bit of maritime history. But I need help."
"What kind of help?" I asked.
"Well your help isn't needed Darling, sorry. Boys only."
"I'm sorry but you're going to have to explain this a little more before we agree to anything." Sam insisted sitting back crossing his arms.
"Fine." Bela sighed. "There is a charity event going on tonight at the museum and I needed a way in. Gert agreed to lend me her extra two tickets. But only if I promised her a date. So Dean, you'll be my date and Sammy here will entertain good ole Gert."
"What?!" Dean and I said simultaneously.
"I'm not just gonna sit it out because I don't have a date. I don't need a date to get in!" I yelled.
"Yeah and I don't' wanna be your date." Dean added.
Poor Sam looked ready to upchuck at the thought of having to be sexually harassed by Gert all night long.
"Listen, if you want to stop this thing from killing anyone else then you're going to have to play along. I've only got 3 tickets."
"Well then you stay and we'll go.
"Sorry… but I found the bugger and I'm going to be there to retrieve it." She smiled back at me.
I looked back and forth between Dean and Sam who actually seemed to be considering it.
"You two can't be serious." I said crossing my arms angrily.
"Em, maybe she's right. I mean we won't be gone long, and you can be our back up." Sam tried.
"Back up?! Now I'm back up?"
"Kiddo, c'mon don't be like that. None of us like it, but it's the job and its what we gotta do. So suck it up." Dean said firmly. I can't believe he's siding with Bela right now!
"No! Fuck you. You suck it up and I'll be Bela's lesbian lover."
"Oh I don't think so! I'm not letting you go off with someone I don't trust."
"Oh but you're fine with dumping me in the car so I can monitor the parking lot?!"
"Yes! I am… and that's final!"
I shook my head at him and looked down at Bela who had a pleased look playing across her lips.
"I've got you marked bitch, don't forget that." I said before storming out the door.
Fine… they wanna push me off the case. I'll do it on my own. I already know where the hand's gonna be. All I have to do is get into the party. I dug into my pockets and found my phone, my knife, and one of Dean's credit cards. A smile grew across my lips as the ideas fluttered. Looks like I'll be doing some shopping.
I walked into town and hailed a cab.
"The mall please." I said with a smile. The old indian man briefly smiled and nodded before clicking on the meter and driving into down town. I sat in the backseat and stewed in my anger. Something about Dean siding with Bela really bothered me. I mean it bothered me that Sam did it too, but it really hurt when Dean sided with her and told me to suck it up. I'm tired of sucking shit up. I'm tired of our fucking lives getting twisted around.
"We're here miss. It'll be $12.87."
I handed the credit card over and waited patiently as he scanned it. He handed it back with the receipt and we parted ways. I walked into the large glass doors of the mall in town and paused. I'm not super familiar with malls. It'd been forever since I've been in one… as a matter of fact the last time was when Dean and Sam took me. I sighed and walked into the center of the first floor that had a large map in the open food court. I ordered some fries and a coke before getting a paper copy of the map and deciding where it was I wanted to go.
I'm gonna need a dress… and shoes. Plus someone to do my hair and make up. The charity event starts in 3 hours. My buzzing phone interrupted my thoughts. I pulled it out of my back pocket and rolled my eyes. Its Dean. I rejected the call and put it back in my pocket.
It's probably driving him crazy not knowing where I am… but he'll know soon enough.
I made my way first to a fancy clothing store. I need something risqué. Something that's sure to bring steam out of Dean's ears. I mean if we're being honest here I DO want to work the case, but more than anything I want to make Dean as angry as possible. Why? Well because its fun. And right now I'm angry at him… so he can suffer a little.
I walked in and walked past several short cropped dresses… something short with heels would piss him off, but I really like longer dresses. I moved to the back of the store, something sparkly catching my eye.
"Can I help you?" A tall dark skinned woman asked, she was wearing a red sparkling halter top and tight black jeans, red heels to top it all off. Man. I'm glad I don't have to get that dressed up to work every day, not that killing monsters requires fresh mascara every hour.
"Yes, I'm looking for a dress, long, with um.. plenty of skin showing." I said with a devious smile.
"I think I know just the thing." She smirked and led me over to the corner where she pulled down a red dress. I barely got to see it before she rolled it and placed it in my hands.
"Don't look at it. Just put it on… Trust me." She said.
"Umm.. okay?" I said confused, walking to the dressing room. Once there I undressed and pulled the dress off the shelf letting it unravel and fall to the floor.
"Whoa." I breathed. This thing is intimdating. Lots of straps across the back… very little covering on the entire torso portion of the dress, but at least its floor length. It took me several minutes to figure out the straps on the backside of the dress, but once I did I pulled it over my head and down past my ass. I adjusted the girls, noticing this dress was pretty much a bikini top with a bunch of straps and some fabric across the belly connecting it to the long skirt- which by the way that has a slit that goes far enough up to show the bottom of my tattoo. It was red and silky, and it felt so nice across my body. It was definitely enough to make Dean's head gasket blow. I stepped out of the dressing room.
"Oh girl." The sales woman said putting a hand on her hip and popping it. "You're gonna drive those boys crazy in this dress." I turned and looked in the mirror. She was right, it was revealing, but still had a little bit of class. It was sexy.
"Yeah. It will." I said spitefully, only thinking of how outraged Dean will be when I walk in wearing this.
"So do we need shoes and accessories?"
"Yes please." I smiled.
She found me a beige clutch and shoes to match, before giving me gold dangly earrings that matched the gold buckle on the front of the clutch. I was set… all I need now was hair and make up. I left the store, everything in the bag and headed down to the hair salon on the level below, I requested something formal and it only took the girl an hour to curl and pin my hair in a half up/half down braided blend of beauty. She even popped in a few golden pins in the back to match the earrings, next up was the make-up. Oh Sephora. How have I never met you before?! I not only got my make up done but got to take home the make up that I bought for them to do it.
My eyes were framed in black and gold, my lips a dark maroon, and something called contouring caused my face to transform into something slim and sophisticated. Ya know… it's a shame I'm more worried about spiting my brother then finding a date. Maybe someone there will strike my attention. This is by far the prettiest I've ever looked, and I might even half to take a 'selfie' or two for my own personal memories.
I asked if I could change in the store's bathroom. She of course obliged and boosted my confidence as I walked out dressed and ready. I stopped in the mirror… wow. This doesn't. This doesn't even look like me anymore… I stopped and stared. My face was thin. And even under the make up, I could tell I was not happy. I shook my head.
No. No. I will not let my fucked up life stop me from looking fine as fuck and walking in there and proving myself. I CAN do this job. I CAN save people.
"Thank you." I smiled to her as I walked back out and hailed for another cab. I had them take me straight to the museum. Once there I found baby and broke into the trunk to stash my bag of stuff, I pulled my gun out and swapped it for my first gun, a very small .22 revolver that would go unnoticed in the clutch, along with my silver knife, and a little iron pick. Well… you can't say I'm not prepared.
I readjusted myself in the mirror of the car before sashaying up to the door like I belonged. See, that's the trick to lying. You have to act like you belong. Confidence is key. Once at the door I briefly glanced at the clip board in the man's arms and found a single female listed, then tweaked the last name by a few letters. Again- another trick of the trade. You can't pretend to be someone you don't know because you're likely to meet a door man who actually does know that person, so you tweak your name by just a letter or two and chalk it up to the fact that the list maker must have thought we were the same person and accidently erased you. I smiled graciously and squeezed the old man's arm as he moved the ropes for me to walk past.
I'm in. The satisfied grin on my face was prominent. The first thing I did was scope the room for my brothers and Bela. No sign. I made my way over to the bar and requested a glass of champagne. If I knew my brothers at all then I know one of them is bound to make their way to the bar. I stood idly, sipping my drink for several minutes. The several men of varying ages that took their time scanning my body did not go unnoticed, but I just couldn't care less. I wasn't moving until Dean saw me.
"Here alone?" A man asked me, obviously much older than me, although to be fair this make up probably ages me a solid 10 years. I couldn't hold it against him.
"Yes." I smiled before turning away.
"May I buy you another drink?"
"I'm still milking this one, but thanks." I said politely.
"Perhaps a dance then? Something to preoccupy your time."
"I'm waiting for my friends." I said a little firmer, I turned and looked at him a little harder. I could see now he was blazed. Probably a solid 15 drinks in. I was honestly surprised he could focus on me and stand up straight at the same time.
"We'll see about that." He mumbled before walking away. What a dick.
I took another sip of my drink and went back to the bar for a refill.
(Sam's POV)
"So, should I call you Sam? Or do you prefer Samuel?" Gert asked me seductively, I gritted my teeth and smiled politely.
"It's just Sam ma'am"
"Oh please, none of that Ma'am stuff tonight. Tonight, we are as one. No need for formalities." She said as we continued to sway on the dance floor."
I forced a smile to my face and was thankful that when she embraced me I was too tall for her to see my face. God can this night drag out any longer? Just as the thought crossed my mind her hands fell down m back and landed on my ass, squeezing it. I jumped slightly.
"You know, uh, could you excuse me for a moment?" I asked politely, watching Dean and Bela come through the door.
"Of course." She winked. "I'll go freshen up."
"Great. Thanks. Thanks." I said quickly making my way across the room.
"Exactly how long do you expect me to entertain my date?" I asked once I reached Dean.
"As long as it takes." Bela smiled. I rolled my eyes… why does Dean always get the hot dates?
"Look, there's security all over this place, all right. This is an uncrashable party without Gert's invitation, so..."
"We can crash anything, Dean." I reminded him.
"Yeah, I know, but this is easier and it's a lot more entertaining… hey have you heard form Em? She won't answer any of my calls."
"No she won't answer mine either. I'm sure she's still pissed at us for not letting her come. She'll be over it by the time we get back."
"Yeah maybe. I just hate not knowing where she is. She knows this shit drives me crazy."
"That's why she does it Dean. Don't worry so much, she's tough. She can handle herself."
"Yeah. Yeah I know. Hey, I bet your lady is getting lonely. Why don't you uh, give her some attention." He said with a wink.
"You know there are limits to what I'll do, right?"
"Ah, he's playing hard to get, that's cute. Come on. I want all the details in the morning!" He called as I walked away, but something stopped me in my tracks before I could get more than two feet away.
"What's wrong?" Dean said coming to stand next to me.
No… she didn't. Please. Don't be Emily. Don't be Emily. Don't be Emily. Don't be Emily. Don't be Emily.
"Wait." Dean said suddenly following my gaze. "IS THAT EM?!"
He charged towards her and I could barely keep up.
"Wait! Dean… calm down! You can't kill her in public!" I called out as I literally watched steam pour out of his ears. Once we reached the bar there was no doubt. The ass bent over the bar covered in red satin belonged to my sister.
Why does she insist on making my life more difficult?
I watched as Dean swiftly smacked her on the ass, getting her attention, when she turned he grabbed her arm and pulled her off to the side away from the party. I followed. Dammit. He's pissed. Walking I noticed the dress she wore clung much too tight, hugging her in every way a brother hates. The back was practically made of intricately woven yarn, the front, left her exposed from each side and barely covered her stomach and chest. I can't believe she did this.
"Ow! Dean, You're hurting me!" She whined as we moved away from the crowd.
"What the fuck are you wearing?!" He screamed once we were alone.
"Its called satin I think." She said calm and casual. She knew exactly what she was doing. She did this on purpose.
"Satin?! Seriously. That's what you have to say for yourself. Have you seen the way these guys are looking at you? Like you're working a corner!"
"Dean, calm down." I told him.
"No! Look at her! We can't let her walk around like this!"
"Emily what are you doing here?" I asked her. Not thrilled myself that she showed up half naked and bent over the bar.
"I'm working a case!"
"No you're not! You're bending your ass over the bar like a tramp!" Dean yelled at her.
"Yeah well just remember one of us didn't need to work with a traitorous bitch to get in the building! Obviously my methods are effective, whether you approve of them or not!"
"Methods?!" Dean yelled his face going damn near purple. "You are unbelievable! Carry your ass to the car! NOW!"
"No!"
"Excuse me?" He said quietly. Shit. He moved to pick her up and carry her outside, but I stepped in front of him.
"Dean, now wait… you're going to blow our cover and get us all kicked out."
"I don't care! Do you see what she's wearing?!"
"I know! I know… I get it. Okay?! I hate it too, but right now we need to get the hand, THEN we can deal with this." He huffed angrily and pushed me away.
I turned to look at Emily.
"You're not working the job, you're just stirring shit up. You did this just to piss him off. Ya know, I'm disappointed in you." Her face fell slightly, but she quickly contorted it back to anger. "I thought you wanted to save these people as much as I did, don't you realize everything you've done tonight did nothing to save anyone? All it did was make this harder on everyone."
"That's not fair. This is not my fault! It's Bela's!"
"You know, I hate her too Em. I do. But right now, we have a job to do. And you of all people know that. Again. I'm disappointed in you."
She stormed off back into the dancing area.
"Well, someone cleans up nice." Bela chanted as she walked in passing Emily on the way.
"I don't need your smart ass mouth at the moment! Lets just finish the damn job and get out of here." Dean growled as he and Bela walked back into the party. I turned to the wall and beat my head against it a few times before walking back out to my 'date.'
(Emily's POV)
Dean's words stung, but the sight of the veins in his neck sticking out and his face go purple were well worth it. Literally, he was so pissed the steam was rolling off his shoulders. Mission accomplished…. So why do I feel so shitty about it?
Oh. That's right. Sam's guilt trip.
Fuck them. Both of them. I'll get this hand and end this case myself.
I found my way to an exit from the main room that leads down the hall and up the stairs where I knew the hand would be. It was guarded, but a quick whisper to the guard about a man attempting to open a case in the lobby quickly rectified the situation. I ascended the steps quietly, glancing around the corners before I took them. I heard voices coming and quickly ducked into a room. I waited as the got closer, once they walked past the door I got this odd feeling. I recognized that voice. I peeked out the door and watched as Dean carried Bela bridal style into a room not far from the one I was ducking into.
A surge of jealousy shot through me. I don't even know why… it just. Boils my blood that he would not only side with her, but then take care of her? Seriously?
I felt the room around me shake a little and took a deep breath. The last thing I need is for these things to come out right now. I glanced in the mirror. Great. My eyes are red right now… I hate these abilities! I don't understand them.
I continued to deep breathe for a few minutes until things calmed back down and the color of my eyes returned. Once it did I left the room and went in search of the hand. As I began to slip out my door I froze. Dean opened a door and snuck out. He didn't see me, so I slipped off my shoes and followed him. I assume Bela told him where the hand would be, and all I had to do was follow him to it.
I stayed two or three steps behind the whole way, making sure to have something to hide behind for when he turned. His senses are strong. I assume he'll get the 'someone is following me' sensation. He finally stopped in front of a large door at the end of the hall and began to pick the lock. I waited till he stepped inside to move around away my hiding spot.
"Hey, all alone?" A voice called. I turned to see the drunk guy form earlier.
"I was looking for the bathroom." I giggled innocently. Pretending to be a bit tipsy.
"Seem to have lost your shoes Miss?"
"Amelia." I smiled.
"Amelia. How exquisite." He charmed. I knew at this rate I was busted and done for. I needed to lead him away before Dean comes out with the hand and we're really screwed.
"You wouldn't mind taking me back downstairs would you? I have a feeling maybe the bathroom was down there all along."
"Well of course." He smiled extending his arm to escort me. I reluctantly took it and allowed him to guide me downstairs. Once back in the main ball room we stopped.
"I do believe the bathrooms are across the way here in the lobby area, allow me to show you."
"That's okay I'll find it from here."
"No, no my lady I insist. Don't want you getting lost again." He breathed and it wreaked of whisky and mints.
"Thank you." I smiled reluctantly. As we walked I caught the glimpse of Sam dancing with Gert. His eyes met mine and were instantly concerned. Instead of showing to him that I was uncomfortable with this man and wanted to get away, I held my head up high and readjusted my arm, leaning in a little closer and laughing at… nothing.
As we left the crowd I began to pull away from him, he led me right up to the door.
"Thanks again." I smiled before entering the bathroom. As the door slung shut behind me I slid down to the floor and sighed. This night did NOT go the way I wanted it to.
Fuck. This. Shit.
I decided that it was just best that I go out to the car and wait for my brothers at this point. I stood and walked to the sink. Putting some cold water in my hands and placing them on the back of my neck. The alcohol I had consumed was making me feel warm.
I heard the door open but didn't care to look up and make small talk with anyone tonight. So instead I kept my eyes down at the counter as I dried my hands.
"You look so good in that dress." A deep voice called out. I froze… warning signals flew throughout my entire body. This is bad. Bad bad bad.
"Get out of here." I turned and said firmly.
"I lied. There's a bathroom in the main room… but. I thought we might get interrupted in that one. So I brought you here instead."
"I said GET OUT!" I yelled.
"C'mere bitch." He said as he approached me. We struggled, slamming each other against things. I swiftly kicked him in the jewels and reached for the door, but suddenly I was slammed against it.
"Ahh!" I cried out as my shoulder slammed against the wood.
"Help!" I screamed. Praying that someone would hear us. From this position he shoved himself against me and pinned me against the door. Fear flooded every cell in my body. From this position he had me. I was not able to fight back. He leaned forward and whispered in my ear.
"Mmmm… this dress has driven me crazy since you walked through the door." He growled as his hands traced the straps on the back of the dress. "It hugs you just right." He then grabbed my ass roughly, enough to leave bruises. I called out in pain, tears filling my eyes. I would give the world for Dean to come busting through this door right now.
"Please. Stop… My brothers. They're here and they'll kill you! Just stop!" I begged, but he laughed.
"What do you have hidden under this dress?" He whispered as his hands traced up the slit and hooked into the lace thong I was wearing, he swiftly yanked and ripped them off, I felt them fall to the floor.
"Oh god! Please stop! Get off of me!" I struggled, but he only pressed his body against mine with more force. I could feel him against my back… the more I begged the more he liked it. I hated this. I hated this whole night. I hated this dress. I hated this man.
I hated myself.
Why did I do this?! Any of this…
His hand dipped to reach around and his had graved across my pelvic bone, dipping to go lower. A new surge of fight ran through my body as I realized what was about to happen.
"No! No!" I fought, and suddenly he was being thrown off of me and against the stall door behind us. I turned and an all new feeling pulsed from my chest. If I thought anger was powerful… fear. Fear was so much more.
I walked forward. Afraid of the man only feet away from me, but I couldn't stop staring at him.
"What the hell!" He said frantically. "What are you?!"
I said nothing and continued to advance him. This… feeling. Deep in my chest, banging at the bones to get out, it needed relief. I had to let it out. I had to!
I raised my hand and watched as some sort of red haze poured from my palms and traveled like smoke across the floor until it reached the man, he panicked and screamed for help. But as he opened his mouth the smoke filled him. It flowed through his ears, his eyes, and finally he began to suffocate and fall to the ground. The closer he came to death the more the haze faded, until it was gone and left a lifeless body on the bathroom floor.
(Sam's POV)
I looked around nervously for Emily. She had walked by with some… guy. Older than me, getting his hands a little too low on her back for my comfort. Once I realized she must've left the room I looked for Dean. We needed to wrap this up and get her out of here before something happens.
"I'm sorry Gert, I think I need to check on someone. I'll be back in a minute." I said with a kind smile, she nodded and proceeded to the bar for another drink.
I saw no sight of Dean, so instead I left in the direction Emily went.
The farther I was from the party and the music the more I could hear a struggle somewhere near by.
"Emily." I breathed, all my senses went on edge. I just had this… feeling. Like something horrible was going to happen. It scared me. I'd never felt anything so strong before.
"Emily!" I called out. But there was no reply. Just more distant banging.
"Help!" A muffled voice yelled out. It was a mans. I became confused but ran towards the voice anyways. I quickly realized it was coming from the lobby area, as I entered the room I saw no one and quickly looked towards the bathroom. I leaned by ear against the men's room. Nothing. I moved to the women's.
I pressed my ear against the door and heard the sounds of someone choking. I quickly opened the door and the sight in front of me stopped me in my tracks.
In front of me was Emily. Her dress torn and hanging off her shoulder, her hair ruffled, and the sign of bruising starting to show on one of her shoulders. On the floor next to the door was her ripped underwear. In front of her lied the man who escorted her through the room… surrounding him was a thick dark red smoke.
Emily was controlling it. I watched as his body twitched for the last time. The smoke quickly faded and Emily's hand slowly fell back to the side. She was frozen in her place.
Was she in shock?
Was she afraid?
Was she hurt?
Did he… did he hurt my sister?
So many things rushed through my mind in such a short time. She began to quiver. Starting in her hands and working its way to her core. I heard soft sobs leave her body as her shoulder's began to shake.
I swallowed.
"Emily." I whispered. She quickly spun around, her eyes darting between me. Her underwear. The man. Almost like she was processing what had just happened.
"Em, its okay." I whispered to her as I stepped closer. She immediately retreated. "Kiddo its just me. I won't hurt you, okay? Its just Sammy."
"S-s-s-s-s." She couldn't form the word.
"Yeah sweetheart it's me. C'mon. Lets get out of here." I said reaching out my hand. She stared at it for a long minute.
"Emily. We need to go." I said a little firmer. She stood frozen, so I stepped forward and this time she allowed it as I grabbed for her arm. Once I made physical contact the shock of the situation instantly faded.
"Oh god! Sammy! What did I do?!" She began to sob hysterically.
"I didn't mean to do it! I didn't mean to! I promise" She cried as I picked her up and carried her form the bathroom and quickly out the door to the car. I pulled out my phone and dialed Dean's number.
"Yeah?" He said as he answered the phone.
"Dean." I said.
"What's wrong?! Is that Emily?" He asked hearing her through the phone.
"Get out now! We need to leave." I said before hanging up. I know it only panicked him more to cut him off and not explain. But we need to move fast before someone finds the body. Besides… I'm not really sure I know what to say. I don't know what just happened. I don't know if I can even explain it.
I was afraid to ask, but I needed to know. And I needed to do this before Dean showed up and only made the situation worse.
"Emily." I said as I sat her on the trunk of the car. "I need you to tell me what that guy did to you."
She shook her head no and didn't look me in the eye. This scared me. I knew something happened, but I need to know… I gotta know.
"Em. C'mon please. I need you to tell me before Dean gets here. Please."
She cried into her hands so she didn't have to face me.
"I.. I. I was going for the hand. I was following Dean, but he saw me. And so I left with him so Dean could get out unseen. But, he. He… he followed me inside." She stopped for a second. "He attacked me."
"Emily. Did he… did he. Touch. You?"
"He, he grabbed my ass and my legs.. And he ripped off my clothes… and then. He. He went to touch me and I don't know what happened! I just freaked out! Suddenly he was off of me. Sammy I didn't mean to! I promise! I just couldn't hold it in!"
She began to sob again while I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Its okay Em. Its okay." I whispered to her. The sound of footsteps came closer at a quickening rate.
"Sam!" Dean called.
"Over here." I said. Dean came rushing towards the car. I went to step aside so he could check on Emily like I knew he would want to. But she reached out and clung to my jacket, pulling me back.
"Emily! Emily look at me… what happened babygirl?" Dean cooed as he grabbed her face and rubbed her tear streaked make up away from her eyes, not caring that its getting on his hands and his suit, his only concern was her. But she wouldn't look at him.
"Emily talk to me." Dean pushed, but she only pulled away from him. Her grip on me grew stronger with every attempt he made to talk to her. Eventually he gave up. I watched his frustration grow by the second.
"Emily. Please." He said one more time.
"Where were you?" She finally whispered. He didn't answer. He just stared at her with guilt in his eyes. I suddenly realized what this was… this was a repeat of the dragon. This was another instance where Dean chose to be elsewhere in her mind. This to her was so much more then it needed to be. But how can I explain that? That he still loves her as much if not more than he ever has? I wish she could see that this was just an unfortunate night. That the last time it wasn't his choice.
That he still wants to be her hero. That he hates himself for not being there.
"Dean. Lets go."
He nodded.
"Bela. Meet us back at the house." He said before getting in the car. I climbed into the back, taking Emily with me. She began to calm down finally. She sniffled as we drove past street light after street light. Dean was silent. Periodically he would look back at us. He never turned on the radio. He never cracked a joke.
It was at that moment I think he and I both realized things had changed…
(Emily's POV)
When we got back to the house I separated myself from Sam and walked inside. I grabbed my duffle bag and immediately changed. I took my time wiping all of the dark streaks of make up off my face. Underneath it all I was still pale. Dark rings under my eyes. I was still the same ole fucked up Emily I pretended not to be.
When I walked out I carried the horrid red dress. The boys made no attempts to stop me as I walked over and threw it in the fireplace, watching as the flames overtook the thin fabric in a matter of seconds.
"Emily." Dean said softly, I could tell he was right behind me, but I never heard his footsteps when me moved. "Talk to me kiddo."
"Did you get the hand?" I asked not turning around.
"Yeah, yeah kiddo we got the hand."
"Good. Now go destroy it."
"Em you need to tell me what happened tonight."
I ignored him as I walked over to my sleeping bag in the corner of the room, it was shuffled on top of a blow up mattress and some bundled clothes for a pillow.
"Emily please."
"You were with her, Dean. That's what happened."
"What do you mean?" He asked confused.
"I mean… you weren't there. Because you were with her. For the second time in a row now. I begged the universe to send you plowing through the door to save me. And you weren't there. And now look what I… look what I did." I whispered. The memory of the man's body being invaded by the smoke filled my mind.
I didn't have to look on his face to see the guilt. I could feel it coming off of him in waves.
"Its not your fault. Tonight was my fault. But still… you weren't there."
"Emily, what that guy did is NOT your fault." Sam cut in. "No matter what you're wearing no one has the right to do something like that."
"I shouldn't have been there. I should have stayed here. But I went anyways. Wearing that dress. Just to make you mad." I said as I finally looked up at Dean.
"Why?" He asked me.
"Because you chose her." I told him, feeling the pain crawl its way back up my throat. "You trusted her over me. You took her! Even when I was there… you went with her."
A knock on the door before it opened caught our attention. In walked the bitch of the evening.
I shook my head and laughed.
"Just go with her and destroy the damn thing so we can leave." I sighed turning my gaze back towards the fireplace.
"Emily. I don't care about the case…" Dean said.
"Oh please. That's all you care about! Killing as many evil sons a bitches as you can before you go rot in hell right?!" I yelled, tears fighting their way back to the surface.
"You know its funny who you chose to spend some of your very limited time with." I said looking over to Bela. "You know why she helped us don't you?!"
No one responded.
"See I had a little time to do some research. I finally noticed a pattern in the vics. They were all murderers. They killed their OWN family. Those brothers with big inheritance? Yeah. They offed their father to get it."
"And her." I said motioning towards Bela at the doorway. "She saw the ship Dean. THAT'S why she wanted our help getting the hand. THAT'S why she wanted to solve this case. Because she's a murderer! And she knew her time was ticking. So go ahead, take the damn thing and destroy it. Save the stupid bitch. I don't care anymore."
"Is this true?" Sam asked Bela. "You killed your own flesh and blood?"
"You wouldn't understand." Was her only reply.
"Emily. This conversation isn't over." Dean told me. Knowing that for now there was nothing he could say that would matter. But if I'm being honest… I'm not nearly as mad at him as I am myself.
What the hell have I become? What the hells happening to me?
What did I do?