Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from "Supernatural". I wish I did though.

This takes place some time in Season 2.

Characters thoughts in italics.

Thanks to my beta, Shannon.

Chapter 7

Dean took a deep breath before entering Sam's hospital room. His baby brother was still so pale. Bags of saline solution and O negative blood hung from the IV pole. One side of Sam's neck was covered by a large bandage. All of his broken fingers were splinted. A nasal cannula ran underneath his nose.

The older Winchester rubbed his stubble as he dragged a chair to Sam's bedside. "I'm sorry I didn't find you sooner."

Tears started to well up in his eyes and he let them fall. "Maybe if I had, you wouldn't be lying in this bed right now."

A female voice interrupted his one-sided conversation. "Mr. Cooper?

Dean wiped away his tears before turning to face her. "Yeah, that's me."

"Hi, I'm Doctor Higham." They shook hands. "Your brother is in a coma from the severe blood loss. I am hoping that blood transfusions will help his condition. Sam also has a mild concussion. We stitched up his head wound and realigned and splinted all of his broken fingers. I started him on antibiotics due to what looks like some sort of animal bite on his neck. Do you have any idea what caused those injuries?"

Dean shook his head. "I have no clue. Do you have any idea when he might wake up?"

"It could be a few days or a couple of weeks. It is really hard to tell. I have to go on rounds. If you have any more questions, have one of the nurses page me."

"Thanks, Doc." Her dress shoes clicked against the floor and gradually faded away.

Dean watched over his little brother until his eyes slowly closed.

His body was being jostled. "Dean, Dean." His groggy eyes opened and fell on Bobby.

"Hey, Bobby. Any change?"

"I'm afraid not but you have to eat something. You know Sam would want you to take care of yourself."

Dean nodded. His voice lightened. "Yeah, he would. What time is it?"

"A little after nine."

Dean yawned, stood and stretched. "I guess I'll go grab something."

He leaned over Sam. "I'll be back, Sammy."

Dean exited Sam's room and walked to the elevators.

I'll grab something on the way. I can't just sit around and do nothing. I'm going to track that bitch down and make her pay for what she did to you, Sammy."

Dean pressed the down button. A light skinned African American woman with short wavy hair, brown eyes and dressed in a T-shirt and blue jeans came beside him.

"How's Sam doing?"

Dean briefly looked at her before turning back to watch the elevator floors light up. "He's in a coma."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

His tone was accusatory. "Why do you even care? We don't even know you."

"You and your brother did right by my friend Lenore. That makes you all right in my book."

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Dean stepped inside and Shalimar followed.

"What are you my shadow?"

"No, but I know that look."

Dean's green eyes looked at her. "What look is that?"

She crossed her arms and leaned against the side of the elevator. "The 'I'm going to kill somebody' look. Mind if I tag along?"

Dean shrugged. "That's up to you. But I still don't trust you, lady."

"I prefer Shalimar."

"Whatever." The elevator opened and they walked to the parking lot.

Dean hopped into the van, threw it into reverse and drove off. He glanced in the rearview mirror. One minute Shalimar was standing in the parking lot dumbfounded. The next she was standing in front of the van. He slammed on the brakes.

"Are you trying to kill me?" he yelled.

"No, I just wanted you to stop."

Dean glared at her while unlocking the passenger door.

Shalimar dropped into the passenger seat with a smug look on her face. "So where are we going?"

"To get some dead man's blood."

"Well, you're in luck. I have some already."

The hunter looked at her in disbelief. "Really? Where?"

"It's in my car."

The van peeled out of the parking lot.

Author's note: I hope I did okay with the hospital scene. Sorry for the lack of action in this chapter. I am not too happy with this chapter. I'll do better for the next one.