Chapter 11

Sam knew he was really pushing his luck here. The thing was he wanted to be sure that Cary's info would check out rather than bring up Dean's hopes only to bash them to the ground. It was also because he would rather suffer the pain of failure by himself. It wasn't anything less than he deserved and it was a hell of a lot better than waiting for the ax to fall across his neck from Dean and he meant that literally.

It was too close to home with him sneaking out and snaking Angela's car but he needed to do this on his own. After what Cary had told him, it had him thinking about a few things. He took a walk like he said but he also made a couple of calls. It was hard not letting anything slip but he just needed to find out a few things. He needed to see if what Cary fed him would pay off in the end. It was touching that slippery road that he had sworn off of but… he felt he had no choice. She was in trouble and he had to help. Plain and simple.

He took Angela's car since he knew for certain that Dean would kick his ass for taking the Impala without permission. Besides, apart from it being hers, she implied that it was his to use if he wanted. She had made it into a joke saying that it wasn't worth trying to placate Dean when the 'disease' was showing its symptoms full blown. A couple of times she had offered to take him wherever he wanted to go. Looking at it now…

Sam shook his head as he continued on down the highway. He had to just go in and ask and if it worked, then… He glanced at the empty passenger seat regretting that he didn't bring Lilah. She was huge and no doubt would have been intimidating but he considered it overkill and he just wanted his brother to be safe. Lilah was a Wilder and would do that. Whose owner she was, that was up for debate but it was clear she followed Angela readily… like an alpha. He glanced at the seat again and then looked forward. "Just have to make this right."

"You have nothing to make right as far as she's concerned."

Sam made a slight face since he had jerked the wheel the moment he heard Kesset. He glanced over to find the guard sitting in the passenger seat and looking like he had dropped in. "You're as bad as Cas sometimes."

"My apologies but it is not easy to catch up with a car even in my animal form." Kesset adjusted his seat to look around. His lip twitch in pleasure as the breeze rippled through his hair.

"It's okay, Kess," Sam replied, "It just… it gets a bit creepy sometimes."

"Personal space."

"Yeah." Sam cleared his throat as he adjusted his speed. He glanced at the guard who was now looking, and there was no better way to describe it, like a dog enjoying himself. "What are you doing here?"

"Making sure that you don't get into trouble."

"Dean sent you?"

"No but I know he's concerned and given the state of things…" Kesset sat up and was prepared to go into an in depth conversation. "He would have gone you know."

"I know but… It's something that I would rather do and if it doesn't pan out I'll take my licks. And that means usually an ass kicking." Sam added the last part since he recognized the flash of confusion on Kesset's face. The guard was quicker than Castiel at picking up human nuances but he still was like a curious two- year old when it was something unfamiliar.

"I am familiar with ass kicking," Kesset replied as he looked down to digest the words. He then looked up and added, "Why then?"

"Because."

"Because?"

"Because… I…" Sam closed his mouth, not sure how to voice things. Granted he could ask Kesset not to say anything, the guard was not bound to obey or execute any orders on his say so. Still… Sam sighed and tried again, "Because I am trying to make things right. Been trying for a long time and all I do is seem to fuck up. Especially when it involves her… Angie."

Kesset took a moment to think about things. He had observed much the past few months and came to a few conclusions. It was no coincidence that Sam asked him to talk to Angela after their encounter with Gabriel. "I am unclear to the meaning of that term but I haven't seen anything that indicates you have. You haven't fucked up."

"Now that sounds wrong coming from you."

Kesset shrugged his shoulders at that. He could spend the time tell Sam all about the names that were insults in his language. "I am merely attempting to communicate on your level. And you haven't fucked up."

Sam felt his lip twitch since it was always funny to hear Kesset talk and try to speak more on their level even though Sam wouldn't have minded the more proper language. The guard had a slight accent to his tone that sounded British but it was what made it funny at times. "Nice of you to say that but… it's true Kess."

"And I find you are wrong."

Sam looked over at Kesset. He was used him being blunt and he didn't beat around the bush when it was important. Part of it was because he knew the guard took the oath of veracity and while handy at times… he could see the potential problems but the kid did hold up against Lenya's torture and didn't say a word. "I don't think so Kess. Every time I do something for her…" He made a face.

Kesset studied Sam for a moment. And people thought his kind were the moody ones. Actually in truth they were but what he was picking up from Sam… "This was hardly your fault, Sam. Not at all."

"But I was the one that said she should go; that she should have some fun with people she knew—knows. It was just a time out with her friends."

Kesset studied the younger Winchester and wondered why he was harboring misplaced guilt. Perhaps it was all related to the beginning of the end but even he didn't condemn Sam. As far as he could tell, Sam was a good man. "And you shouldn't feel guilty for that. You gave a gift."

"But it ended in disaster, Kess. She deserves better. Especially after what I did to her."

Normally Kesset would have gotten defensive and demanded to know what happened. It was a product of his duty as well as the volatile nature of Avians. Yet he had learned that what people say and what they do are two different things but they perceive them to be related. "And I believe it doesn't matter to her."

"It does to me, Kess. I know she forgives me but… I can't forgive myself."

"Wouldn't that hurt her more?"

"It shouldn't."

"Funny how people react." Kesset hadn't meant to sound glib but he wasn't too sure at what else to say. "But if she says it doesn't matter, you should take her at her word. Doesn't that mean anything?"

Sam couldn't help but give a slight shake of his head. "You really have a way of… saying things Kess."

"I only wish to understand them even when it seems simple to me." When Sam glanced at him, Kesset continued, "Why not tell her?"

"Tell her what?"

Kesset recognized the tones of being defensive with Sam. He had noticed it every time Dean would mention something about Angela and the events over the past few months. He was right in that the hell hound Cerebus was right. "Never mind."

Sam glanced over and noted the stoic position Kesset was taking. He sighed since it felt like Angela was giving him the cold shoulder and letting it be known. It wasn't the guard's fault and he really didn't deserve that. "I can't, Kess."

"Then I hope you eventually do say something. I've noticed that she considers heavily what you say." It was all Kesset could offer at the moment. While he was under no obligation to Sam, he felt that he should keep what he had been keeping with his charge. "I just hope you return consideration just as much especially with what you are doing."

"It's more about making things right, Kess," Sam corrected softly, taking into account the guard's words. "I don't trust Cary since he's a demon but I need to check and see if what he says is worth it. It's why I'm looking up a friend."

"Wouldn't it be better if you had Dean with you?"

"Cary said that in order to track the renegades, to hunt these guys, that I needed a hunter; someone like them."

Kesset knew that stretched into potential possibilities and he hoped Sam wasn't going to attempt the more probably stupid options. "They would know but most of them sided with the renegades or went rogue. It's why there are still so many of them and they have lasted this long."

"I'm not going to find a renegade but I do know one guy who used to hunt with the slayers."

"They're just as bad."

"Not this guy. Not Austin."

Kesset was willing to follow Sam's lead on this one. He would know and if the former slayer could be trusted, then he would respect that. He would just have something to say if it got to the point where Sam or Dean's life was put in danger. "Then I will accompany you."

"Make yourself at home. You already did."

Kesset looked at Sam and Sam returned it. Kesset countered, "I understand the concept of backup."

Sam couldn't help but chuckle. He didn't perceive Austin as a threat and he didn't have a problem with the vampire. He was willing to let Kesset tag along since the kid did seem out of sorts ever since it was confirmed that Angela was missing. "Fine."

Kesset nodded and was silent for the rest of the trip. In the end, Sam started talking and explaining a bit more why he was doing this. He even managed to include the one thing that the guard was certain the younger Winchester was going to keep under wraps. It was also a sign that Sam was desperate for some sort of confidence when he revealed his thoughts on the consequences of the spell that Angela had been put under. It perplexed him since he knew that his charge was honest in her feelings but he could sort of see where Sam was coming from.

The conversation ended up helping both parties since Kesset was still put out over what he had done and that was sheer anger. For Sam, it was being able to talk about his feelings even though he really wanted to be able to talk to his brother about it. He just didn't because he was certain he was still under scrutiny for his past actions and how he felt didn't figure into the equation. It allowed Sam to relax a little about meeting up with the vampire since the last time they met, it was polite but laced with warnings.

The meeting place was pretty much in the middle of nowhere since both parties agreed to meet in the middle somewhere. It actually turned out to be a rest stop for RVs and mobile homes. Austin was leaning against a tree and playing with a jack knife, giving the impression that he had been waiting there for hours when in fact he hadn't been waiting long. Sam parked the car and got out to greet the vampire, "Thanks for coming out here. I appreciate it." He put his hands in his jacket pocket after giving the vampire a handshake.

"And I appreciate that you stopped what you were doing. The smell was just awful."

Sam made a slight face but nodded in agreement. He wasn't going to argue since the vamp knew what went on; it was what fed his suspicion that Angela knew too but wasn't saying anything, wanting him to come to her and say something. "And because you can do that is why I asked you to meet."

Austin looked at Sam for a moment and then at Kesset before looking back and asking, "Any reason why the Avian is here?"

"He's a friend."

Austin gave a look, appearing disinterested before focusing his attention on Sam. "Okay then. So what is it that you think my past history would be a big help in?"

It wasn't a time to be glib or dance around in circles. Sam let out, "It's Angie. She's been taken and by people you know well."

"I don't like this."

"Well feel free to go. No one's stopping you." Austin looked at Kesset who was looking agitated about everything.

They were outside a bar dive. It sounded clichéd but according to Austin it was a well-known gathering place for renegades. Sam had filled him in on what happened and while the vamp was upset, it fueled his desire to help. It was he who suggested that they come here and Sam readily agreed citing that the sooner they found out where Angela was being kept, then the sooner they would be able to mount a rescue.

Austin was willing to take them to the dive and explained that it was a popular hangout. He also explained that the renegades were not necessarily united under one banner. They had a common goal which is essentially hunt all things that were a monster but in terms of loyalties, that was something else. They were going to have to really question in order to find someone that would know if anything was going on. It made the job seem interminable but they did have an ex-slayer on their side and Sam felt that if he could at least get a location, it would be redeeming in both hers and Dean's eyes.

It wasn't too hard since they could just walk in but the downside was that it was Sam and if Austin could pick up the stench of demon blood in him then there was a surefire possibility that anyone else could and it would spell trouble. Plus having Kesset around was not going to help… except maybe start a riot. Kesset was full blown Avian and hence something that should be hunted. It would be a feeding frenzy even though Sam personally thought that he should be sorry for the guys trying to mess with the guard.

So the decision was to have Austin poke around while they waited. He was hardly a better choice but because he used to be with them, he had a better chance of getting any cooperation. It didn't matter if he was a vamp. For some odd reason, the vamps that bought into this hypocritical logic were accepted because on some level it had to do with self-loathing. Austin never bought into it and thought it the most ridiculous thing ever. Still his chances were good if not ideal.

So Sam was waiting with Kesset outside while Austin left to find out anything. Kesset had voiced his apprehensions more because he wasn't inclined to trust the words of fiends. Also he was agitated and it was showing in the coloring of his feathers and a dark mood seemed to cross his face. Sam looked at the guard and said, "You need to relax Kess."

"I don't care for these fiends." Kesset ruffled his wings to shake the feathers. He looked around, his breath coming out in a puff of smoke. "They are a disgrace to the calling." He growled a little.

Sam noticed Kesset become darker the moment they neared the place. He had to admit that he was not in the best of moods either and he felt like he was getting a headache. It started the moment they were within parking distance of the place. As soon as he saw the place, he felt the urge to mow it down with the car. He didn't since there was a probability that there were people in there that weren't associated with the renegades. "I don't like them either."

"You shouldn't. They tried to kill you."

"I know." What else was there to say? "Angie stopped them."

"By becoming like them. Such…" Kesset shifted his wings in an agitated manner. "Brigands who attempt to…"

"Calm down Kess."

"I am calm," Kesset retorted. "I am calm but not pleased. Consorting with these… "He gestured wildly at the bar.

And just be glad I didn't ask you to get me to Carpathia. Sam made a slight face at that but turned to look away. If Kesset was this bad just being here, it was sure as hell a good thing that he didn't suggest an old adversary that was probably ten times worse considering that he nearly killed Angela. "It's the best option now. If you could find a way to turn on your switch or whatever… I'd happily go with it."

It seemed to calm Kesset down enough and when Sam looked back, he saw the guard pacing and continually looking up at the sky. He wasn't going to question it a long as the kid watched his back as necessary. He looked at his watch and noted that it had been a long time since Austin went in. He was tempted to throw caution to the wind and go in when the door slammed open and two figures stumbled out. One was Austin and the other was someone else… probably what they were looking for.

Sam decided to approach since there was no apparent danger of getting caught. He started but was halted by his phone ringing. Pulling it out, he saw that it was Dean calling him. He had been ignoring his calls since he started on this. He couldn't do any further now that he knew what the demon said was true. "Yeah?"

That's all you got to say after ignoring my calls?

"Been kinda busy chasing a lead," Sam replied as he watched Austin do whatever he was doing.

Yeah buying whatever crap Cary was feeding ya.

"It works Dean."

And who's the new buddy?

"Austin." Sam felt a slight bit of smug satisfaction that he got Dean with the fact that he went to a more or less trusted friend.

That guy? He couldn't find the renegades even if he was sitting on them.

Sam frowned when he heard the voice. "Is that Cary?"

What of it?

"You ragging on me and you're best buds with that worm."

You called me stick up your ass.

Shut up.

Sam rolled his eyes. This was unbelievable. Dean was perfectly willing to rag on him for running off, assuming that he would be stupid enough to track down someone that for one could kill him just by approaching and two, someone that would rather see Angela dead. "You are unbelievable."

Hey I got him tied up in the car. And he came to me.

"And how is that different?" Sam looked up to see Austin beckoning over at him and Kesset. He turned and tapped the guard on the shoulder. "You know what? Do what you want with Cary. I'm not doing anything stupid. I'm looking for Angie and Austin is our best bet."

Sam…

"I'll call when I get something." Sam hung up and started walking towards Austin and his new friend. He really didn't want to get into an argument but… They said that it would be a two-way street getting back in after the whole thing with the god Leshi but it still was really bumpy. Looking back at it, Sam could see that it was hardest for Angela since she was the one caught in the middle. He knew she would never pick sides and she didn't. But being stuck in the middle was what was hurting her the most and it made him angry with himself and it hurt too. It was why he was right in that everything he did regarding her was fucked up. Now he could start to make things right.

"Took you long enough. Trouble in paradise?" Austin looked at Sam as he approached with Kesset.

"Just Dean. He's looking into something too. Explore all options." Sam looked at the vampire, not wanting to go into detail. He hoped that it was made clear the way he was staring at him.

Austin got the message loud and clear. Actually he could smell it on Sam. It was oozing and while it was better than the demon stench, he was not willing to make things go up in flames if he pushed the wrong buttons. He got the feeling that this was only the beginning. Nodding he replied, "Okay then. Well this one was stupid enough to trust an ex-slayer that was a vamp."

Sam looked at the sorry excuse for a hunter. He looked weasely and he highly doubted that this guy would know something but he trusted Austin. And it looked like there was little choice in the grand scheme of things. He looked at the renegade while asking Austin, "You sure?"

"More or less. You'd be surprised at how many of these guys are lightweights when it comes to alcohol. Must be a perk," Austin replied as he leaned against the tree they had their man leaning against. He looked at the guy and said, "Now tell this nice guy what you blabbed in the bar."

The weasel guy took a look at Sam and made a rude sound with his lips. "No way. Like I do anything to help the abomination here." He took a closer look and added, "Besides he's a dead man walking."

"You're going to be the dead one if you don't tell us." Kesset was huffing and his wings fluttered to make his power known. His features took on a darkened look. "Fiend answer the question," he demanded.

"Like I'd talk to you. Freak. Monster." The guy was drunk obviously but still coherent enough to know what he was seeing and doing. He looked at Austin, "And you… you are a traitor to your calling. Then again what do you expect from a vamp? All this talk about the queen bitch of abominations. Finally caught her and having fun with her…"

The punch came out of nowhere and hit hard. The contact of skin on skin was felt and had Austin and Kesset look at Sam. Sam was heaving in anger. "Don't you even think about it. Now tell us where she is."

"Where who is?" The weasel guy gave a mocking smile at Sam. He looked at the trio. "How do you know I wasn't jerking your chain?"

The hit that followed was just as hard if not harder. It was followed by Sam growling, "Don't fuck with me. Where is Angie?"

The weasel looked at Sam. "I'm not afraid of you. But… since you've been so fucking polite." He spit at Sam and added, "Take that." He laughed when he got punched. "That was the freebie but if you want to know, I don't know where she is but I know who does."

"Then tell us," Sam replied in a low and cold tone just as Kesset let out a hiss that was more pain than anger.

A/N: Well Sam's on his own private mission and he has Kess to be there and low and behold we have Austin. What next? Find out next time on To Hell and Back...