A/N: Hello again everybody. Sorry for the long pause between chapters, but I've been swamped with reno in my house, and Harry Potter, a must read. Anyway, on with the show. I finally have some sora kinda meeting between Dean and Jo; I promise they will actually talk next chapter!! My OC is finally in America and I hope you like her car. I't one of my dream cars, second to the Metallicar, of course. Thanks for reading and I can't wait for more reviews.
I parked myself by the beach, locking up my run down Beetle. I descended the boardwalk steps to find myself a large rock to perch myself on while I sifted through Max's belongings. I didn't have the strength to open it the day before, when Mr. Stewart tossed the moderately heavy package on my lap. So instead I headed for the property in Swansea, deciding to make a quick stop in Mumbles to see the beach I played at as a child. The memories were few and far between, but they kept me going when it seemed that my life would never improve. With shaky fingers, I opened the large envelope and blindly reached inside to pull out his last belongings. First I grabbed a couple of war medals, followed by one of my lost gloves, a few pictures of us together, and a few small tin soldiers. My eyes glassed over as, lastly, a letter fell out; it was sealed and addressed
to me, Alex Curtis.
As I opened the creased envelope and removed the letter, I smiled, recognizing Max's writing immediately; he always complained about how messy it was. I started to read, surprised that it was written less than a month ago.
My Dearest Ally,
I have to admit that we had a great run; I never had an adventure like this. You made me realize that I could be a part of someone's life; that I could be remembered. Now don't you start crying, love.
I think I always knew that we could not beat them. But know that I would do it again in a second, I have lived an long and interesting life. You, however, are just beginning to flourish in this world. I could never survive losing you, too many innocent souls were already lost because of me. I love you, darling; you are my true family, and because of this, I have made plans for your safety and the continuation of this case we started. It is of the utmost urgency that you travel to America to meet with one of my contacts. I have been warned that recently that a demon is planning to open one of the gates of hell. The consequences will be devastating.
I have already sent most of your weapons to said contact. Enclosed is a first class ticket to Kansas International Airport. I am truly sorry that I had to keep so much from you; I cared too much to give you more pain. Remember that there is more to you than hunting. Use your talents to your advantage. Be passionate, feel emotion, but don't let it rule you. My contact is listed below with the address beside it. My car will be waiting there for you; I know you will love it. I am so proud of you.
Goodbye love,
Max
I gazed out into the sun setting over the coast. I knew that Max wanted the best for me, and for just this once, I felt at peace. What unsettled me were the plans he had left. I was aware of the consequences of this particular hunt. Max and I argued about reopening the case, but I felt that too much of my painful past would resurface because of it; I had already worked so hard to move on. But I owed him that much, and I couldn't forget the numerous times he saved me. Determined, I pulled out the ticket and carefully repacked his belongings, stepping cautiously back onto the boardwalk to my car, ready to catch the first flight from Cardiff to Heathrow. America, here I come. I thought sarcastically.
I arrived in Kansas the next day; exhausted from the 9 hour transatlantic flight, I lugged my duffel bag along the winding arrivals hallway, which opened up into the main terminal foyer. I was holding another letter from Max, the crafty bugger; he left it in a rented locker at Heathrow. He said that my car would be waiting with one of the valets at the entrance. I can't believe that man thought of everything. As I headed towards the welcoming crowd of people, I searched for any sign of the valet. I was not in a good mood; over and above my fear of flying was the general happiness of the crowd around me, making me more conscious of my loss. I longed for his humour. Looking past I noticed a short, stocky man holding up a cardboard with my name hastily written in black ink. As I wandered toward him, I noticed his scruffy demeanour emphasized by his worn leather bomber jacket and stained jeans. Soon after, I noticed his smell. My presence startled him out of his reverie.
"You'd be Ms. Curtis then," he grunted, shifting his weight from side to side.
"Yes," I replied, too tired to elaborate, "Do I need to show you any ID or…"
"Naw, I just parked it outside," he replied, tossing me the keys. I caught them out of reflex, and looked up to see him saunter out the front entrance.
Shrugging, I inspected the set of keys. The tag seemed familiar, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. I strolled through the front entrance and into the bright sunshine and warm breeze. Putting on my sunglasses, I took the keys and pressed the ignition button and heard a revving noise not far from me. I stood agape when I spotted the car, Max definitely had taste; there stood a silver Aston Martin DB9. Smirking, I jogged up to the door and tossed my bag into the back seat. Gripping the wheel and adjusting the beautiful leather seat, I cranked the radio and speed off to visit Max's contact.
The two cars rolled up quietly to the old barn. In the darkness, the lights emanated from the interior of the structure. Dean switched off the engine and turned to his brother, still massaging his head from the last vision. Bobby quietly inched the door opened to get a better view of the surroundings, motioning for Ellen to follow him out of the car. He snuck around the back of his pick-up and handed Ellen a crossbow and also removed two scythes for himself. The boys eased out of the car soon after, pulling out a couple of machetes and a small crossbow. Dean knelt down to check for the switchblade in his boot, and then silently joined the group huddled together.
"Sure about this Sammy?" Dean whispered, stand beside Bobby.
"Positive - I saw Jo in this building with vamps. Another body was lying on a table. I just hope they aren't the same person." Sam glanced over to Ellen with a worried expression. He hoped they were not too late.
"Don't worry boys, my daughter's a fighter, we'll get her out alive," she stated, setting the bolt in her crossbow.
"Let's think logically about this," Bobby piped up, relaying his plans. "We can't rush into it, or Jo will be killed. From what Sam says, it's vampires, so knock 'em out, pin 'em down, or decapitate them." Donning his vest, he pocketed a few smaller knives and turned to the boys.
"One of you should scout the perimeter, see if you can take a look inside, and give us some numbers. I know we'll be outnumbered but we gotta size them up." Dean nodded and wandered into the darkness ahead. Bobby turned to Ellen, a frown fixed on his features, "Don't do anything stupid,; we can't risk you or Jo getting killed. Shoot the vamps from a distance. When you see and opening, use this knife to free Jo." Ellen tensed, but said nothing, nodding in agreement. Handing over the knife, Bobby closed the hatch carefully and leaned against the side door.
Slipping in and out of consciousness, Jo was beginning to lose hope of escaping. Kate returned every half hour to slice yet another piece of skin, letting Jo's blood pool around the floor. Rocking the chair back and forth, Kate made Jo constantly dizzy, unable to take note of her surroundings. The group snickered at Jo's pain-filled cries. By now, it seemed that every inch of her body was covered in blood and grime. Kate sauntered over, towering above Jo's restrained body.
"I bet they'll be here soon, I can smell the older one nearby." She glided the buck knife over Jo's collarbone, "I wonder if you'll stay awake long enough to watch them die?" She smirked, lowering her face to Jo, showing of her glinting incisors.
"Ha," Jo croaked, her throat parched. "They'll kill you idiots before you can blink."
Kate laughed and walked away. Looking sideways, Jo noticed a form through one of the spaces between the timber slats. She squinted her eyes to better focus on the shape. Her eyes widened as she turned back from the shadow, her hopes raised.
Sam leaned uncomfortably against the Impala's hood. The tension between the small group intensified by the minute and he was itching to rescue Jo. Already guilty about the possession incident, he wanted to compensate for endangering her, an apology of sorts. She was one of the few friends they had left in the business. Sam turned to gaze at the aged structure, worried at what he might find within. He noticed his brother first as Dean stormed back towards them.
"Stupid son-of-a-bitch," Sam heard Dean mumble as he rejoined the group. Bobby raised his eyebrows, unsure of Dean's expression.
"So?" Bobby prompted.
"It's definitely vamps, and we know them." He turned to Sam; "It's Kate and her nest, back when we stole the colt." Sam surprised expression soon transformed into a scowl.
"I guess it's payback. Luckily, it has nothing to do with the Demon," Sam replied.
"What else?" Bobby asked.
"About 10 or 12 of them, most are unarmed. I'd say we have a pretty good chance of beating them. Jo's alive and strapped to a chair just behind the group. She's alive, but she's lost a lot of blood. Best bet is to park the cars down the lane, wait 'till dawn and ambush the nest. They'll be sleeping and caught off guard." Dean looked to the horizon, where the pink and orange streaks of dawn already pierced the darkness.
Bobby nodded in agreement as he stood up and got in his truck. Sam and Ellen agreed to stayed put while the cars were parked. As Bobby and Dean crept back up the lane, dawn was fast approaching. Kneeling down beside his brother, Dean checked his surroundings from behind the bush; "Anything suspicious?" Sam glanced sideways, sat back on his heels, and turned towards him.
"Nothing unusual. One of them checked the area at dawn. Other than that, silence." Sam paused, looking over towards the barn. "Don't think it's a trap do you?"
"I don't know, Sammy. I'm just worried that Kate might've already caught our scent. If so, we're screwed." Dean furrowed his brow and sat back on the ground, legs crossed in front of him.
Sam mimicked his position, waiting for the ok from Bobby. He tried to calm his nerves in the silence; so many things might go wrong; so many outcomes that could end in death.
"I'm worried about her." Dean whispered in a quiet voice interrupting his thoughts.
"Really?" said Sam, surprised. "I thought you only tolerated her."
"Huh, seems ya got me wrong then, Sammy." Dean smirked, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "She's a good hunter, and she's got guts. I respect her. I think Jo is one of the few friends we have left." He looked down, tearing away at bits of grass. "I feel guilty for putting her in this situation. It's my fault." He looked sharply at Sam. "Tell anyone about this chick flick moment, and I swear I'll kill you."
Sam chuckled, amused by Dean's confession. "No worries bro, I won't tell a soul," he paused, noticing the relief on Dean's face, "…if you don't piss me off, of course." Sam smiled as the relief quickly dissolved.
"Boys," Bobby whispered. "Time to go." He stood up, holding out a hand to Ellen as they dusted off their jeans and retrieved their weapons. Leading the group to a side door, Sam and Dean readied there weapons as Bobby carefully opened the door, which emitted creaks of protest from the rotting panels. He paused, allowing the silence to confirm his disguise, Bobby stepped into the main floor of the building, the rest following close behind.
Passing by some empty stalls, Dean noticed a few resting vamps curled up in the mouldy hay. He signalled to Bobby, who gave the kill order. The more vamps they kill without struggle, the better the odds. They finished off the two with no more than a whisper of surprise. Following Bobby to the center of the room they noticed a more slumped bodies, now finished by Sam and Ellen. Six down, thought Dean, but something nagged him. He looked around at the sleeping vamps left. Suddenly he grabbed Sam, spinning him around.
"Something's wrong," Dean hissed, looking around, frantically searching the area, his body tensing for a fight.
Turning to Dean, Bobby replied "What do ya mean?"
"Kate's missing." Dean finished just as a growl came from behind. Across from him, Kate charged for Ellen. Whipping around to face one of the missing vamps, he bellowed, "Ellen, GET DOWN."