An hour, a visit to the copy shop, two fake ids and some certificates later and they were ready to offer their qualified volunteer services. Dean hadn't stopped grumbling since.
"Volunteer? That's your brilliant idea? It won't work Sam. No one will by this."
"Sure it will. It'll help us get unrestricted access and knowledge on all the programs and staff. Plus it makes it easier to keep tabs on this woman once we find her." And whether Dean wanted to admit it or not, he was damn good with kids. If anyone could fit in, it would be him. Of course Sam knew better than to say that and went instead with, "Besides, you know how most women love men who do this kind of work."
Dean kept his scowl, but thought it over. "Fine." He bit out reluctantly.
Sam fought down a smile.
Parking again across the street, both men walked over to the building. They were almost to the stairs when a little body intercepted them. The little girl appeared to be four or five with a head full of kinky curly blonde hair, a small splash of faint freckles, and big curious brown eyes. She had two fingers in her mouth as she looked up studying them.
"Hi." She said.
"Hello." They both said looking down at her.
"Whatcha name?" She asked with a big grin, "My name Allie."
Sam and Dean both smiled wide against their will. The kid was adorable. "I'm Glenn Tipton," Sam said "and this is my friend Rob Young." Of course Dean had to give him the name of a guitarist from Judas Priest. He'd wanted to use James Morrison for himself, but Sam had talked him out of it. One rocker name was enough. Someday they were going to get called on it. Dean had told him to lighten up and have fun with their aliases. Sam had looked at him like he'd spouted a second head.
"It's nice to meet you Allie." Dean said as he was charmed by the child. She as cute. He's always secretly thought if he had a daughter someday, she'd look a lot like this girl. He felt a pang in his chest and struggled not to let his smile falter. He'd never know now. He'd never have a daddy's little girl to love and spoil rotten. Or a son to take fishing and teach how to do all the important guy things with, like the art of snaking cookies when no one was looking, or the finer points of classic cars and music. No bedtime stories or goodnight kisses. No wife to wrap his arms around at night. He'd traded his future in for Sam. Thinking of Sam strengthened his resolve. He'd do it again in a heartbeat. It sucked he'd never be a father or a husband, but he wouldn't trade in his only family for a maybe family. No way in hell. He was a brother. He'd never regret his decision.
Sam was similarly affected. The girl reminded him a bit of a mini Jess and he ached anew knowing they'd never have children. He'd thought about it some. They'd even talked about it a few times. How many they'd like to have, boys or girls. Names. So normal. So safe. Seemed like a lifetime ago now. He didn't think he would ever have a family of his own. That dream had died with Jess.
Taking in the freckles, he was struck by the realization she also reminded him of his brother. Again he felt guilty. What would Dean's kids have looked like? How would it feel to be an Uncle? He gave himself a mental shake. No. He would be an Uncle. Sam would make sure of it. His brother would get his chance to be a father, he was going to save him. He couldn't afford to think anything else.
The girl stared up at Sam, tilting her head comically backward. "You tall."
Sam and Dean chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I am." He said smiling.
Dean wondered why this kid was off by herself talking to strangers. Shouldn't someone be watching her? Where the hell were they? As if hearing his unspoken question, "Allie!" was called in a worried and slightly stressed tone. A frazzled man approached from the left.
"Haven't we talked about this? You don't go off on your own. You stay with the group. Okay?"
The girl nodded at the man solemnly. "I sowee Chalie."
Not being immune to her wiles any more than Sam and Dean had been, he smiled. "It's alright. Just don't do it again please. You scared me."
"I won't." She chimed.
Finally looking over at them, he asked, "Can I help you gentlemen?"
Sam had opened his mouth to respond, but found the toddlers voice pipping in with, "This Rob and Genn.". She had trouble with Glenn, making it sound like Gen. "They nice." She pointed at Sam. "He tall."
The men burst out laughing. "Yes," said Charlie, "I see. Tell you what Al, how about you go over and help Tracy play hop scotch? She's having trouble with the rules."
"Okay. Bye!" She shouted running excitedly over to a female volunteer who was watching the other children play the game. She smiled and gave a short nod in Charlie's direction as she caught his eye. She'd keep an eye on the kids.
Charlie turned a sheepish smile their way. "Sorry about that. She's a great kid, but she gets away from us sometimes."
"No problem."
"So can I help you?"
"Actually, we were hoping we could help you. We'd like to volunteer. We talked to Bonnie on the phone."
"Oh yes! She said you'd be coming by. Well, let me give you the tour and I'll take you up to her office."
"Thanks."
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Going inside, there were different rooms going down the long hallway. "We offer a lot of programs here. Allie is part of our 'No Latchkey Kids' program. We give parents who can't afford daycare a place to leave their kids safely while they work. We also offer living assistance for those close to being on the street. We try to help them get back on their feet. There's also Safe Harbor, shelter for the abused and homeless."
He showed them a few rooms converted into living areas, and continued, "We also offer therapy for anyone who needs it. Tutoring and education building, as well as Fellowship, Career Building and Job Search." The next room they saw looked like a playroom. Further down, a large gym on the left. A group of teenagers were playing basketball. "We have a lot of things going to try and help these kids and their families, but we also like to offer them a place to just hang out. Somewhere safe to go and do normal things without worrying about the drug dealers of muggers."
The brothers were impressed. It was an amazing facility doing a lot of good in the community. Which was probably why the demon was lurking.
"Well, come on and I'll take you up to Bonnie's office."
Going up a winding set of stairs, he lead them down a corridor to a small office on the right. It was decorated with bright drawings and finger painted gifts from the kids who spent their days here. There was a corkboard on the wall covered in photos of staff members, parents and children.. The room had a happy feel to it despite the fact that a lot of the patrons of Bright Tomorrows had a rough life.
The woman behind the cluttered desk had dark brown hair, jeans and a yellow shirt with the logo on it. She smiled up at them as they came in.
"Hey Bonnie, these are the two guys who wanted to join the crew."
She nodded. "Right, right. Well come on it and we'll chat a bit."
They did as they were told and Charlie shook both their hands. "It was nice meeting you."
"You too."
Charlie turned to go, then turned back around and spoke to Bonnie. "Oh. And if it helps, Allie has already given them both her seal of approval."
Bonnie laughed. "My," she said looking at them, "I had no idea you had such connections." She winked playfully. "That does put weight behind your applications."
They smiled politely and she got down to business. "Alrighty then, lets see your credentials."
The boys presented her with their false information and waited.
"Hm. Yes. Ah, good. Hm.." After reviewing their paperwork she handed them both some forms. "Everything looks good guys, but for formalities sake, I need you to fill out these papers for me."
Dean shifted in his chair. "Oh, do we need to be approved by someone else?"
She huffed. "Honestly? Yes, you're supposed to be, but the way the system works is you fill out a ton of papers that just sit around while you wait for them to get to you. It could be as much as a month before they get around to it. In the meantime I"ve looked over all your documentation and you both look good to me. So.." She said digging out two thick folders and handing them over to them, "Welcome aboard."
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They sat there filling out the forms for the next fifteen minutes, Dean inwardly cursing. Who the hell made up these things anyway? You'd think he wanted to apply to work with Homeland Security, not volunteer. Sam finished a few moments ahead of Dean, so he stood and walked around. Bonnie had left them to go check on something, so he figured he may as well look about. Making his way over to the corkboard, he studied each photo. Maybe the woman from his vision was among them.
He was surprised how many happy faces he saw and felt a renewed appreciation for the work the center did. Dean spoke up behind him, now done with the paperwork, he was browsing the folder.
"Jeeze. Did you see all this? The full rundown of each program, schedules, rules. It reminds me of high school." He quipped.
Sam smiled. He knew the rules and schedules would get to Dean. His brother was always like that. A free spirit and conditioned hunter, he hated to feel restricted. "It's not that bad." He reassured.
"Umm." Was all the noncommital response.
"So, do you see our mystery woman up there?"
Sam shook his head. "No, I don't.." he trailed off as he spotted a picture in the far left corner, partially hidden under another was the blonde woman standing next to a pregnant young girl. "Wait. Here she is."
Dean joined him and looked at the picture. Sam reached up and removed the push pin. Flipping it over, he read the back. Lesley and Sherry 2007.
"Do you think- " Sam began, but was cut off by Bonnie breezing back into the room.
"Sorry about that. It's always busy here." She laughed, then noticed them with the pictures. She walked up and saw Sam had one in his hand. She smiled. "Ah. I remember this. It was taken not long after Sherry came to stay with us. Poor thing. Lesley was so upset, she took her under her wing. She was scared out of her mind and Lesley was more than ready to go to bat for the kid."
She shook her head with a rueful smile. "Not that I'd expect anything less from the centers founder."
"So this is Lesley Rose then? She's young to be the head of a foundation like this isn't she?"
Bonnie nodded and beamed with pride. "She is, but at 38, she is more dedicated and works harder than most people who have been in this field all their lives. We're all very proud of her."
Hm. She was older than Sam thought, but not by much. "Would we be able to talk with her?" Dean asked, "About the center I mean?"
Bonnie stepped over to her desk as she talked. "Afraid not. She's not here right now. She's on a business trip and won't be back till - " She paused as she ran a finger across her filled desk calendar. "Friday next week."
Great. "Oh that's too bad."
She smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get to meet her soon. She likes to get to know all our staff. In fact, pretty much everyone knows everyone here. We're a tight knit group."
Seeing Dean's eye tick, Sam spoke up. "That's great." He forced a smile. He could tell he was going to hear about this from Dean later.
"So I guess we should get you two settled in." Bonnie said. "I'll - "
"Hey Bonnie, do you.." The girl from the photo, now very pregnant, walked in and froze. "Oh. I'm sorry. Didn't know you were with someone. I can come back later."
"That's okay, Sherry. This is Rob and Glenn. They're new staff members"
Sherry smiled self-consciously. "Hi. Nice to meet you."
They both smiled. "You too."
"Sher, I wonder if you could do me a favor?"
"Sure Bonnie, what do you need?"
"Could you show these two to their room in the staff quarters?"
She nodded. "Will do." Looking over at them, she asked, "Ready fellas?"
"Lead the way." Dean said.
As they descended the stairs, (which made both boys extremely nervous, shouldn't pregnant women avoid steep steps?) she told them, "You guys will love it here. Everyone is really nice."
"So we've seen." Dean said.
Coming down a long back hallway, she motioned to a door on the right. "Here's your room, hope you two don't mind sharing?"
"No, it's fine." Sam replied as he put the key Bonnie had given them in the lock and turned. The room was small and simple, but it looked comfortable. A lot nicer than most motels they stayed at. All three walked in, and they put their bags down on their usual beds. Sherry turned to look at them.
"If you need anything, just ask Bonnie and she'll fix you up. Vic is an advisor too, but it's hard to find him because he's so busy."
It was hard to imagine anyone being more busy than Bonnie.
"'Kay. Thanks."
She nodded. "Well, I'll let you get settled." She turned to the door.
"Uh, hey Sherry?"
She stopped and looked back at Dean. "Um.." He was suddenly unsure how to proceed without sounding rude. "I was just wondering what program you're with?" What he was really wondering was why the kid wasn't with her family. She looked like she was ready to pop any day.
She smiled at his awkwardness. She got that he was trying to be polite inquiring about her 'condition'. "I'm in the Angels program. It's a foster care/planned parenthood set up. Lesley and the others work with foster kids who are troubled or just need a little support, as well as woman and teens who find themselves in a tough spot."
She glanced down at her enormous stomach with a rueful grin. "Guess you can figure out which one I am."
Dean's brow furrowed. "But you aren't a foster kid right? How come you aren't with our family?" Her face became forlorn and Dean could have kicked himself. Not that he had to, he felt Sam step on his foot. "Sorry. That was too personal."
"No. It's okay." She said running a hand through her dark hair. " I was young and in love. At fifteen I thought I'd found the one in my boyfriend, Nick. I really cared about him, you know?" She shook her head sadly. "I was stupid. We got close too fast. Next thing I knew I was pregnant and he ran scared. He dumped me and he and his parents refused to have anything to do with either of us." The last part was said as she rubbed her belly. "So next I told my parents."
They were taken aback as her eyes misted over. "They said they'd already raised one child, they weren't going to raise mine too. Told me to get an abortion." Her voice quivered. "I couldn't. I said no. They said some things I'd rather forget and kicked me out."
Dean and Sam stared in shock. How could her parents just kick her out, pregnant and alone on the streets? "I'm sorry." Dean said quietly.
She smiled softly. "Don't be. I'm okay now. I stayed a few nights in a homeless shelter until Lesley found me. She brought me back here and we talked. I agreed to stay here until I figured out what I wanted to do. Didn't take long to warm up to the idea of this place as home. She got me a meeting with a judge and we explained everything. I was sixteen by then, so I was emancipated from my parents care." A large smile bloomed. "These people are my family now." She laughed. "Lesley is like an aunt or a big sister to me."
Sam smiled. "I'm glad it worked out." He knew just what it was like to have someone who fought for you, protected you. Lesley was Sherry's Dean and he'd be damned if he let a demon destroy that.
It never occurred to him the urge to save his brother from his own fate had just carried over into this case.
Dean was feeling much the same way. Call it damsel in distress syndrome, or maybe it was because she made him think of his own family, but he suddenly felt very protective of them both. No demon was getting near her new family.
"Well," She said again, "I better get going. I promised to help Tae and Josh get lunch and dinner ready. Hamburger helper, potato wedgies and green beans tonight. I think they said pepperoni rolls for lunch. You guys coming?"
"Yeah." Dean said.
"It's at 12:30. I'll save you both a seat then." She waved. "Cya."
Dean and Sam sagged onto the beds when the door closed. "Can you believe that?" Sam asked.
"No. Poor kid. Someone should hunt those people down and shoot them."
Sam agreed.
SNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSN
Lunch was a zoo. The cafeteria was full of adults and kids. They looked for Sherry and she motioned them over. She introduced them to some people, everyone wanting to get acquainted with the new guys. They were nice enough, but the friendly atmosphere made both of them a little uncomfortable. Feeling too exposed, they were glad when it was over and they could escape back to their room. They had tried to get some more info on Lesley, but a lot of the time found everyone was more interested in their stories. "How did you get into this field?" "What made you want to volunteer?" And that Tae girl? Dean didn't think she'd even stopped to breathe between topics.
Sam got out the laptop and went to work trying to find more on Lesley. If they could figure out why this demon was after her, it may lead them to what type of demon it was. Which so far they weren't having much luck with. While Sam did that, Dean went over the papers from Bonnie again, they'd need to be prepared for their roles here. They hadn't been assigned a specific program yet, but he figured they would be soon.
About fourty minutes later Sam hadn't found much and gave a groan as he stretched. Dean looked up from the folder in his lap. "Any luck?"
"Not really. Degrees, awards, articles in the paper on the center. Nothing that helps us though."
"Could be it's the area and not Lesley."
"I thought of that. I looked up the history of the land. No paranormal activity, no red flags. I.." Sam paused as a new page loaded. "Wait. Listen to this."
'Local authorities are still searching for leads on the bizarre murders of Helen Daily, Tom Petrovich and Lacy McPherson. Though police are withholding the details, and eye witness who discovered one of the bodies claims the victims heart had been removed. Citizens are concerned about the possibility of a serial killer. With he macabre Jack the Ripper esq way the second victim was found, some have dubbed him The Heart Snatcher.'
"Sounds like our demon has been busy."
"Yeah. I wonder why I didn't have a vision about it sooner? I mean, three people are already dead."
Dean could read that look. Sam was getting ready to switch into guilt mode. "Sam don't."
He frowned, confused, "Don't what?"
"Blame yourself. It isn't your fault, you can't control your visions. Sometimes things just happen."
Sam sighed. Dean could read him like a book. He WAS thinking it, how could he not? "Yeah okay."
Dean could tell Sam wasn't going to let it go and was going to say something else when his cell rang. Taking it out he read the ID. "It's Bobby."
"I'll see if there's a connection between the victims while you talk to him."
Dean nodded and answered. "Hey Bobby, what's up?"
Sam started typing as Dean talked. With his back to his brother he worried his lip with his teeth. He knew Dean was right, but he couldn't let this go. He did feel responsible. These visions were supposed to warn him, help them save people. Now it was like they were failing him. He had to admit the irony. He'd hated them, wanted them gone so he could just be normal like everyone else, then they were. Now he wanted them back, to do a job that was anything but normal. Man his life was messed up.
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"Dean. I just got a call from Bailey, the friend I sent on the other hunt."
"Wow, that was fast. Did he get it already?"
"Not exactly." Dean frowned. "Dean, the guy was already dead."
"What?"
Hearing the change in Dean's voice, Sam looked up.
"Bailey was too late. Someone reported noticing a car sitting in the garage, running with the lights on. Thought it as empty until they looked inside and found what was left of the guy. Dean..." Bobby was quiet and then let out a breath. "It was reported yesterday morning. They say he'd likely been dead since the evening before. His wife said he never came home."
Dean froze. "That can't be. That would mean it happened..." He trailed off looking worriedly over at Sam.
"That means it happened right around the time of Sam's vision." Bobby finished. The 'or during' hanging ominously in the air. Seriously, what the hell? Dean wasn't sure what to say, but Bobby sensing he needed a moment, continued. "He's going to stay on the hunt. He'll finish it up, so don't worry about that."
"It's not that I'm worried about." He said running a hand tiredly through his short hair.
"I know." Bobby said softly. This was all those boys needed. Clearing his throat he continued, "Dean, we're going to figure this out."
"Yeah." He sighed.
"You boys take care of yourselves, work on your hunt. I'll keep looking for anything on the demon and call you if I learn anything. And I'll see what I can dig up on psychics and visions. There's gotta be something somewhere. We'll get this sorted out."
Dean gave a wan smile. He wasn't sure why, but Bobby's reassurance made him feel a little better. "Yeah, okay. Thanks Bobby." Hanging up, he looked over at Sam.
"What's wrong?"
How was he going to tell him? They had no clue what was going on with Sam's visions. Now this other guy was dead and it looked like Sam had watched it happen. Tack that on to the three other victims and no idea what they were hunting, the day was going from bad to worse. What was that old saying? It gets worse before it gets better. He sure the hell hoped better showed up soon.
"Dean?"
Oh yeah. He still hadn't answered Sammy. I don't know how to protect him from this. He sighed and sat down on the bed facing him. "Uh, Bobby said his buddy Bailey called."
"That's the friend he sent on the other hunt right?"
"Yeah."
"What'd he find out?"
Dean had lowered his eyes and begun fidgeting with his ring. It was a nervous habit that came out when he was struggling with something. Which sent off Sam's warning bells, something was wrong.
"Dean, man what's going on? What did he say?"
Dean looked up and saw his little brother's determined face. Great. No getting around it, he had to tell him, he knew that. Still, he didn't have to like it. Taking a deep breath, he tried to think of an easy way to break the news gently. "Well, that guy from your vision? He's dead." That's it? Good Dean. Way to break it to him gently. He chastised himself silently.
"What?" Sam became tense as he leaned forward. "You mean Bailey was too late? The vision didn't give us enough time?" Sam clenched his fists as his knuckles turned white. First they didn't come at all, then they were too short a warning?
Dean could see Sam was becoming upset and swallowed dryly. It was about to escalate. "No."
"Then - he was already dead? Like the other three victims?"
"Yes and no."
Sam's brows shot up. "Yes and no? Dean what the hell does that mean?"
"I think, uh.." Dean paused uncertain, then plunged ahead, putting it off wouldn't change things. "Sam the guy was killed the night before last."
"The night before last? But the vision was.." Sam's voice trailed off as a sickening thought came to him, coldness settling in his body. "My vision was that night, the same time?" he asked shakily.
"We think so." Dean said softly.
Sam's nostrils flared as he stared at the floor and continued to clench is fists. If he kept it up, Dean was sure the bone would pop through. They both sat silent for a moment until Sam rose abruptly to his feet, making Dean jump. He started to pace.
"So what? I watched this guy die in real time? Why? How is it even possible? That was never what my visions were about. Why have the damn things if they won't do any good?" Sam was becoming increasingly agitated.
"Whoa Sammy. Calm down."
He looked at him wide eyed, incredulous. "Calm down? Are you serious?"
"As a heart attack."
Remembering Dean's near death experience, Sam took a second to scowl and reprimand, "Not funny." then, "And how can you expect me to be calm?"
"Easy," Dean said grabbing his shoulders, guiding him to the bed and pushing him down."Sit. Breathe. Take a few minutes to deal."
Sam snorted a laugh, but remained seated. He looked up at Dean and the older felt his heart prick. Sam looked so lost.
"What's happening man?"
"I don't know Sam. But I promise you, we're going to find out."
Sam looked away dazedly and absently nodded. He was still reeling from this latest development. What did it mean? What the hell was going on with him?
Dean patted Sam's shoulder and went to sit before the laptop. He needed to do something, feel in some sort of control. He felt it slipping away, like they were both spiraling down a dark hole. He didn't know what to do about the visions, but he could work on the case.
Catching Sam sitting on the bed and looking off into space out of the corner of his eye, he figured his brother needed a little time to think. He'd give it to him - but if that look didn't leave his face soon, he was going into big brother mode. Chick flick be damned. He wasn't going to let the kid keep blaming himself for something that wasn't his fault.
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Twenty minutes later Dean had found a connection between the victims Sam came across. They were all pillars of the community. Good people doing charity work. Mrs. Helen Daily did work with Aids patients. Tom Petrovich had been a big time philanthropist, donating to many causes and had recently paid for construction of a new hospital wing. Mr. Lacy McPherson was a one time cancer patient turned survival story. For the last 20 years since his recovery he'd worked closely with researchers and funded potentially ground breaking drug studies. Clearly this demon didn't like the whole good will towards your fellow man angle. Now he knew why Lesley was a target. She did a lot of good for the people at the center and for the community. This also meant she had a blazing red X on her chest. At least she was safe until she returned from her trip. That gave them time to think up a plan on how to stop this bastard. Knowing what it was couldn't hurt either. Dean quickly emailed his findings to Bobby and turned to Sam.
He was on his back, arms behind his head, looking at the ceiling. "Sam?" No response. "Hey, Sammy." Still nothing. Walking over next to the mattress, he kicked it hard. The bed shook and Sam startled.
"Jeeze Dean, what do you want?" he snapped.
Dean's brow rose. He really wanted to say something about Sam's tone, but he let it go. If he was in his brothers shoes he might be testy too. As if reading Dean's mind, Sam immediately looked guilty.
"Sorry man, didn't mean to snap. I just - " He was at a loss for what to say, so he switched gears. "You were saying something?"
"Yeah. I found a connection between the victims. They are all do gooders, pillars of the community and all that."
"Like Lesley."
"Yep. I figured this demon is pissed seeing how they like death, misery and chaos. People like her are bound to be on it's hit list."
"Do you know what it is?"
"Not yet. I just sent the info to Bobby, an extra set of eyes can't hurt. I - " A knock at the door had them both looking curiously to the clock. It wasn't dinner time yet. Walking over, Dean answered it while Sam sat up. A smiling Bonnie stood in the hall.
"Hi Rob." She looked in at Sam. "Glenn."
"Hi Bonnie." Dean greeted. "Uh, come in."
"Thanks." She came into the room carrying a folder. "I won't keep you long. I figure you're still trying to go over all that information I gave you."
Dean nodded. "There was a lot."
She chuckled. "Yes, it can be a bit daunting at first. I'm sure you'll both be old hands in no time." Both boys smiled politely.
"I came to give you this." She handed the folder to Dean. "Talking it over with the others, we've decided tot put you both on the Angels program."
Dean was confused. "Talked it over?"
Bonnie shook her head as if she'd forgotten they had no idea what she meant. "Oh, right. Sorry. When we get new staff, the other staff and senior alumni get together and discuss what area we think they are best suited for given their performance and interviews."
"But we haven't done anything yet."
She laughed. "We pay attention to a lot more than you think. You two have been assessed since you got here." At their surprised looks she continued. "Let's just say you made an impression on Charlie, Faye, Sherry, Tae and Josh."
Again they were surprised. They didn't realize they'd been interviewed at lunch.
"So," She nodded to the folder, "that is more detail on your Angels and the program."
"Our Angels?" Sam asked.
"Yes. You'll need to get acquainted with your kids and the other adults in the program. Though you'll be assigned specific Angles to be responsible for. You'll help them get to appointments, with any problems or other issues that need addressed. Things like that. It's all outlined in the folder."
Both tired to process all the information she babbled off. This was going to be a lot harder than they thought. Dean nodded. "Great. Thanks Bonnie."
"Yeah." Sam joined, "Thanks."
"Sure." She breezed. "You have any questions or need anything, come find me or just ask the other Angel staffers."
"'Kay. We will."
"Well, I better let you get to it." She started to go. "Great to have you two."
"Thanks." Sam said to the retreating back.
"Bye now." She smiled closing the door.
They shared a look as both fell back on their beds with a sigh. "What have we gotten ourselves into?"
SNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSN
As it turned out, a lot more than they bargained for. The next day Dean and Sam were given their Angels. Sam would be in charge of Beth, an out of work divorcee who had the bad timing of getting pregnant a few weeks before her eviction notice. While Dean ended up with Sherry. She was happy with the decision. Dean? Not so much. The idea of being responsible for a pregnant teen who was almost due did not sit well with him. Especially when he found out what that meant. With Lesley gone, her usual lamaze partner was unavailable, leaving an unhappy Dean to sub for her. Protect her from horrible supernatural evil, sure, he was all for that. Sitting in a room full of other pregnant women while you puffed like an idiot telling her to 'breathe', not in the job description.
He'd growled at Sam who had barley hid his grin as he wished Dean luck, and swore if Sam ever told a soul about this, he was a dead man. In the end the class wasn't as bad as he thought it would be, but he could have done without the birthing video. Miracle of Life my ass. It looked more like something out of the movie Alien.
Dean shook off the memories of his afternoon and went in search of Sam. He'd brought Sherry back to her room, and she'd thanked him for being so sweet and taking her to lamaze. He could see how much it meant to her, she'd paid such close attention to the teacher. She'd told him how important it was for her to do the best she could for her baby. She was a good kid, and he had no doubts she would be a good mom. Not finding Sam about, he went back to their room. Opening the door, he found Sam doing research.
"So how was your afternoon?" He was smiling again, the punk. Dean decided to ignore the barb and continue as if he hadn't spoken.
"You heard from Bobby?"
Sam shook his head. "Not yet. I tried to look up a little more in between my day with Beth. If Lesley was it's next target, she's out of reach right now, it stands to reason it may get hungry again before then. I couldn't pin down any real pattern. Sometimes it's just a few week between killings and others as much as a month."
Dean's lower lip came out in what Sam had dubbed his annoyed pout. "Great. So we're still no closer to finding it."
"Not yet. It's going to take more work."
"Great. Well, I'm up for a nice normal hunt after the horrors I just saw. Give me monsters any day."
Sam snickered.
Dean glared at him, grabbing his duffel, he loaded his gear and slung it over his shoulder.
"Want me to come with?" Sam offered.
Dean stared him down. "And listen to you giggle while telling Mr. Mom jokes? No thanks. I'll be back later."
Sam laughed. "Call if you find anything!" He called after the closing door.
SNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSN
Dean came back in hours later and tossed the duffel on the bed with a grunt.
"No luck?"
"None. I don't get it. I figured with Lesley out of town this guy would be looking for his next meal, but there's nothing. No suspicious deaths or missing persons who fit his dinner time preferences."
Sam nodded, frowning. Now what, wait him out? Looks like they didn't have a choice. This thing was hiding too well. Unless - there was an idea.
Sam turned to the lap top. "I have a plan. We know what he likes to eat, let's see if we can track his new target."
Dean's brow puckered. "That's pretty iffy Sam. It could be anyone good hearted. A doctor, a nun, anyone."
"Could be, but isn't." Sam said in a victorious voice as he turned and pointed to the screen where there was an article and man's photo. "Meet Ben Barlow."
Dean's brow rose. "Who is...?"
"He's a big time goodwill ambassador for the U.S. He travels to troubled countries to work through social, economic and environmental issues. He was a member of the peace cor and is now affiliated with UNO. He's also a champion fund-raiser and philanthropist, and he happens to be coming here for an awards ceremony honoring humanitarian achievements night after tomorrow."
"So you think this guy being honored will be like ringing the dinner bell?"
"If it's going after people for their deeds like we think? Yeah. This guy would be too good to pass up."
Dean opened his mouth, but whatever he was about to say next was cut off by someone yelling his alias from down the hall. "Rob!"
He turned and opened the door, looking out to see Tae running at them full force, her face laced in panic. She slid to a stop in front of them, gasping for air. Sam put his hand on her shoulder. "Hey, take it easy. What's wrong?"
Her wide eyes darted from Dean, to Sam and back. "Sherry."
Dean felt his gut clench with dread. What if the demon was here? Had something happened to the kid? "What about her?" he asked. When no reply was forthcoming he snapped louder. "What is wrong with Sherry?"
"The baby is coming." Dean's eyes bulged and he and Sam exchanged a look. "We called an ambulance, but there's a road block. They won't make it in time, it's already coming."
Tae looked like she was going to burst into tears any minute. He felt bad for snapping at her, the girl was scared to death, but there was no time for that now. It sounded like this baby wasn't going to wait. It was ready to come into the world, three weeks early. Dean immediately slipped into hunter mode, taking control. "Is someone with her?"
"Kirsten is, but we can't find Bonnie. Charlie is talking with dispatch to try and see if they can figure out a shortcut to get them through faster. You're her substitute coach. She's asking for you."
"Let's go."
Tae turned and dashed back the way she'd come, the brothers hot on her heels. Within moments they were outside the girls room. There on the floor, sweaty and shaking was Sherry, covered by a sheet. Her relieved eyes swung to Dean's. She gave a wan smile. "Hi Rob. Guess even teachers can be wrong huh? I thought the first baby was supposed to take a while."
He smiled softly in return and knelt next to her. "How ya doin' Sherry?"
She smiled again trying to put up a brave front. That lasted all of about five seconds as another painful contraction hit, causing her to cry out. Dean grabbed her hand and talked in a soothing tone, though inside his heart felt as if it may burst from his chest. "It's okay. You're doing fine. Just squeeze my hand and do your breathing. Just like in class remember?"
She shook her head, face etched in pain and began the breathing techniques she'd been taught. Deans eyes met Sam's in silent communication and he gave a small nod. The decision made, Sam got on his knees in front of the girl. He gave her leg a reassuring pat. "Sherry," she looked down at Sam. "I'm going to take a look and see how you're doing okay?" She seemed uncertain, but after a glance at Dean who gave her a nod of encouragement, she gave her okay.
Kirsten, Sherry's roommate, stood just behind him. She hadn't said a word since they'd come, and he got the impression she was glad to let them take over. Sam looked, swallowed and dropped the sheet. "Oh boy."
Sam looked green and Dean couldn't help but be happy he had the job of coach and not midwife. "Well?" he asked.
"Showtime."
His own face paled. "Already? You sure?"
Sam's head bobbed. "Pretty sure. I can see hair."
Oh crap, the baby was crowning. Now what? Weren't they supposed to have trained staff on this floor? Where the hell was everyone? Sherry's cry brought him up short. "Aargh!"
"Okay, okay." he crooned. "Great, you're doing so great. Don't be scared." Looking back at Sam, he knew there was no way they could avoid it. They were delivering this baby. "Listen kiddo, I know you'd planned on doing this a lot differently, but it looks like we don't have a choice. We're going to deliver this baby." She nodded, fear and tears standing in her eyes. He squeezed her hand gently. "I'll be right here with you the whole time and Glenn is going to help us both through this. Alright?"
She took a shaky breath, "Yeah."
Sam lifted the sheet again. He could see a little more hair now. "'Kay. Here we go. Now I want you to relax and when I tell you to, push." She nodded. "Okay. Ready?" Another nod. "Push."
The girl groaned and began to bear down. Dean talking and being supportive the whole time. Sam counted off, "1,2,3 and rest." She stopped and panted heavily. "Good." Breathing, more soft words, more pushing. Then, "Stop. Rest again for a minute. You're doing great." Sam smiled.
"Just another few pushes and the head will be out."
Sherry shook her head. "No. I can't."
"Yes, you can." Dean said firmly.
"No, it hurts."
He felt so bad for her. She was growing tired and in a lot of pain, but he wasn't about to let her quit. "Yes you will. Sherry, look at me." she did. "You are doing so well, and I know you're tired, but you can't stop yet. In just a few moments you are going to meet your baby for the first time."
Sam watched his brother in amazement. This was a side of Dean he'd never seen before. The way he was with Sherry, so supportive and gentle, he couldn't help but ache for his brother's future. He'd make a damn good husband to a lucky woman someday, and they'd have a moment just like this. Sam could easily see Dean with his wife, delivering their child together. Hearing Sherry's cries, he blinked, focusing again on the scene playing before him. "What do you say we get him out here huh?"
She took a few deep breaths, looked at Dean and then him. "I want to see my baby."
"Alright then." He smiled softly, "Big push."
The baby's head cleared and it's wails filled the room. The shoulders were almost out now. "One more and it's out I think!" Sam cried excitedly. With one final push, the infant was free. He cradled the tiny life in his hands and grinned. "It's a boy!"
Sherry laughed and cried, Dean smiled at her and patted her hand. "Good job."
Sam carefully wrapped the boy in a blanket Kirsten had retrieved and handed him to his mother. "Say hello to your son mom."
She smiled bright and tenderly took the bundle into her arms. "Hello little one. I'm your mommy. I love you." She placed a kiss on the child's forehead. The brothers exchanged smiles as Bonnie and Charlie, followed by the paramedics came into the room. As they rose to leave the bustle now going on around them, Sherry reached up with her free hand to grab Dean's arm. "Thank you. Both of you."
They nodded and made their way to their room. Sitting quietly, they reflected on what had just happened. Of all the things they'd seen and experienced in their lives, this had to be one of the strangest feelings. And one of the best. Sam let out a small sigh.
"Some day, huh Sammy?"
He snorted a laugh. "Yeah."
Thinking about it, Dean grinned. "You know, I think you chose the wrong profession."
Sam shot him a look. "Huh?"
"The lawyer thing. What you just did? You'd have made a heck of a doctor Sam."
Sam felt his own grin coming on. "I didn't do it alone. The way you were with Sherry up there? That was something."
Dean almost looked bashful. "She needed a coach. I just did what they said to do in the class."
Sam could see his brother becoming uncomfortable, so he just conceded. 'Yeah, right.'
Dean was grateful for the change and stretched. "Man. I'm exhausted. Birthing babies takes a lot out of you."
Sam laughed out loud. "You're tired? All you did was hold her hand. Sherry was the one pushing the baby out."
"Yeah yeah." Dean stood and looked over at Sam. "I'm gonna go grab us something to eat. I'm not up for the big group dine in tonight."
"Sounds good."
As Dean walked over and opened the door, he turned back to his brother with a glint in his eye and a grin that suggested a joke was going to be made at Sam's expense. "And Sammy?"
"Yeah?"
"Take a shower. You're covered in afterbirth." Dean's laughter could be heard in the hall as the pillow Sam threw at him bounced off the door.
Author's Note: So this one was a little different yeah? I have some things I want to convey, and this method is unusual, but trust me, it's going back to butt kicking action real soon. In the meantime, enjoy.