A/N I should mention that I've never been to Alcatraz so I'm working on info from the web and many movies that have been set there! So apologies for any inaccuracies.. I am claiming artistic licence... :)

"Wow, would you look at that? This view is awesome!"

Sam ducked his head to hide his smile, but Dean was too busy gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge towering above them to notice anyway. He was leaning over the edge of the boat as far as his side would allow, and he was clearly having a great time. Sam was having fun just watching Dean enjoying himself so much.

Although he'd be a little more comfortable if his brother would stop leaning over quite so far.

He had to admit the bridge did look much more impressive from the water than it did just driving over it. It was such a recognisable landmark but seeing it in the flesh, as it were, was an entirely different experience.

The boat wasn't all that full, given the fact it was out of season and there had been an earthquake in the last few days. He was guessing that some tourists would have been spooked and either gone home early or were hiding out in their hotels. It was good for them though, as it meant they had plenty of room to get a good view as they crossed the river to the island.

"You ok back there, Sparky?" said Dean and Sam looked at him, realising he'd been so lost in thought he hadn't noticed his brother turning round to look at him. He smiled.

"Yeah, I'm good. You're right – it's pretty impressive up close. Do you know how they engineered it so the bridge doesn't collapse during an earthquake? It's pretty fascinating."

Dean pulled a face and held up his hand. "Thanks, but I can live without knowing. I swear you're like a walking encyclopaedia of geekiness." he said, shaking his head.

"Some of us actually like to know stuff."

"Yeah, and some of us actually like to get out occasionally."

Sam decided on a dignified silence and turned his attention back to the view. It was pretty nice, sitting there in the sun and enjoying the cool breeze as the boat moved across the water.

When it finally came to a stop they waited for the other people to get off first before following. Even though they weren't 'working' it was a force of habit to keep an eye on everything and everyone. Sam had found himself doing it even when he was at Stanford and Jess had teased him more than once for being 'on alert' when they were supposed to be having a good time somewhere. He smiled wistfully as an image of her face came into his mind. He guessed finally getting rid of the ring that she'd never get to see was making him think about her even more than usual.

Pulling himself back to the present he sped up a little to catch up with Dean and the others. Their guide was directing them towards vehicles which would take them up the steep hill to the prison itself. It was possible to walk it, but Sam nudged Dean towards the vehicles before he could even think about it. He got an evil look for his trouble, but clearly Dean wasn't in the mood for making a scene since he didn't actually argue the point.

It didn't take too long to reach the top and when they got there the guide asked them to wait while the few that had walked caught up with them. They had a great view of the prison now and Dean walked forward a little to get a better look. Sam kept one eye on his brother out of habit but also looked around, appreciating the warm sunshine and the fact that he could relax for a change

"Alright, now we're all here if you'd like to follow me I'll explain a little about the island and the prison itself as we go. If anyone has any questions or I'm moving too fast, please do let me know."

Satisfied everyone had heard all that, the guide turned round and began to walk towards the main structure.

Dean and Sam let everyone else go first, feeling more comfortable being at the back by unspoken agreement. As they walked Sam listened with interest and as he glanced at Dean he suddenly had to fight the urge to smile. His brother, who usually called anyone with an interest in the history of anything a geek, was listening intently and taking in everything the guide said.

Dean noticed Sam watching him and turned to face him, frowning when he saw his brother's amused expression.

"What?"

Sam tried, and failed, to look innocent.

"Nothing."

Dean scowled but let it go, having given up years ago trying to work out just what went on in that freaky brain of Sam's. He went back to listening to the history of the prison, surprised to find just how much he was enjoying it.

Not that there was any need to let Sam know that.

When they got inside Sam couldn't help but shiver, not sure if it was because the place felt so cold on account of no sunlight being able to get past the high walls, or because of the weight of history behind the place and all the terrible things that must have happened there.

Naturally Dean noticed the shiver and smirked. Sam didn't bother looking at him but elbowed him on the arm, albeit gently out of deference to Dean's side. Dean just smirked even more but he had to admit – even if only to himself – the place certainly was enough to give anyone the creeps. He briefly wondered just how many restless spirits there must be attached to the building and then just as quickly quashed the thought.

No need to tempt fate after all.

As they wound their way up the old metal stairs to the first floor balcony the guide warned everyone to watch their step. Once they reached the top he said that they were welcome to explore on their own, carefully, and they should gather back at the top of the stairs in 20 minutes time for the rest of the tour.

Dean immediately headed for one of the cells, grimacing at how small and dark it was.

"Nice place, eh Sammy?" he said and Sam followed him in, giving the room a disgusted look.

"Oh yeah, really cosy. And it's Sam." he said, wondering why he even bothered.

Dean ignored the correction, as always, and instead peered intently at some carving on the wall. The elements had worn away most of it so he couldn't make out the words. He was slightly disappointed, thinking it could have been some significant message from one of the more infamous inmates.

Of course it could just as likely have been 'Brad loves Carly' or some other equally inane comment carved by a bored tourist.

As they stepped out of the cell and walked along to the next one the quiet chatter of the tourists was suddenly shattered by a piercing scream.

They both froze, Sam giving Dean a wide eyed look, and Dean felt his stomach flip.

Come on. Not now, not today he thought.

"Maybe it's just someone messing around. Or maybe they saw a rat or something." he said, sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.

The second scream sounded even more panicked and they were both running before they even had time to think about it.

They easily found the source of the commotion, arriving at the same time as the guide. The woman who'd been making all the noise was standing with her back against the wall, pale faced and shaking.

"What's wrong?" said Sam gently, having reached her first, and she just pointed at the railing.

Dean leaned over and winced.

"Ah, crap." he muttered.

Sam joined him and swallowed when he saw what had made the woman so hysterical.

Lying on the floor below, his neck twisted at an impossible angle, was one of the other tourists. The huge pool of blood round his head and the twisted limbs made it clear that it wasn't worth rushing to his aid. The guy was obviously dead.

They woman was sobbing now and the guide had his arm round her, murmuring comfortingly. He looked up at Dean and Sam, who both shook their heads.

"Guess he must have fallen." said Dean, trying to sound convincing, and the woman shook her head vehemently.

"He didn't fall. Something threw him. He was just walking along and then suddenly he was flying over." she blurted out.

The guide looked as if he thought it was the shock talking but Dean felt a sinking sensation at the word 'something'.

The others had reached them by now and people were talking in shocked, low whispers. The guide, although shaken, realised he had to take charge. Handing over care of the woman to another person in the group he asked everyone to follow him outside so he could contact the police. As the rest of them started to walk away Dean and Sam lingered, glancing down at the body one more time.

"Could be she was mistaken. Maybe the guy just wasn't paying attention and tripped." said Dean, slightly desperately, and Sam looked at him incredulously.

"Right, he tripped and fell over the chest high railing." he said and Dean sighed, already knowing Sam was right.

This had definitely been no accident.

So much for their vacation.