Crowley sat under the table between Deans legs. Most of the discussion over dinner had been of the various possible entities that could be responsible for all the doggy deaths and Crowley wondered if these people ever talked about anything but hunting. Dean's hand snaked under the table and Crowley jumped up on his back legs and snatched the piece of food from his fingers.
"Wow, Crowley", Gabriel chuckled. "That's a bit sad."
"I'm hungry ,Angel" Crowley snapped. He turned his back to Gabriel, silently fuming at the position he was in and the fact it was the damned Archangel's fault.
"If we take Snook and Zepp down to the hall tomorrow, we shouldn't stick out too much asking questions" Dean said.
"Sounds good", Sam answered.
"Okay, boys, we have to be at the Town Hall tomorrow morning", Bobby said clearing his throat.
"You want to come too?", Sam said in surprise.
Bobby ploughed on over Sam's interjection. "You need to have both of them walking slippers you call dogs ready to go as well, straight after breakfast. Best to be early." Bobby sounded stubborn like he was waiting for objections he knew would be coming.
"Damn it, Bobby, we haven't got time to do this Dog Whisperer thing you seem so set on." Dean responded and his hand froze halfway under the table. Crowley growled and jumped snapping the morsel of food from Dean's fingers. Dean jolted.
"Yeah, Bobby, it's not as if we will get any real leads from some two-bit TV show." Sam added.
"First off, it aint no two-bit show", Bobby exclaimed in annoyance. "Have you boys missed the coincidence of dogs being taken and the show coming to Sioux Falls at the same time? I figure there has to be something in that."
Bobby grumbled to himself as he got up from the table for more coffee. Crowley wondered if the Winchesters had discovered how much Bobby liked the show. Dean had caught him trying to train both he and Gabriel when he thought the boys weren't there to see him. The Winchesters would probably cave in after mooning over all the trouble Bobby had got them out of. Didn't mean they were going to like it though, or let Bobby off the hook too easily. Crowley sighed, he was really spending too much time with these people.
"Make sure those mutts look respectable", he continued as he stomped back to his seat.
"Maybe you've got a brush small enough that I could use on Zeppelin?", Dean deadpanned.
::::::
"I really don't know what we are going to achieve from all this." Dean continued his complaints about Bobby's plan as they walked towards the Town Hall.
"You've been moaning all morning Dean, now it's time to fish or cut bait." Bobby declared. Crowley trotted along next to Dean as he assessed the people and dogs that were grouped in the car park. He noticed that heads were turning in their direction as they approached.
"It is a nice morning", Sam said and Crowley looked over to see Gabriel panting trying to keep up with Gigantor's long stride. "But why am I getting the feeling I have two heads or something?"
Bobby snorted in amusement. "Think about what they're seeing comin' towards them… Two big men with two tiny little dogs. You even had to get extra long leads just so they can get their paws on the ground. That's gotta cause a look or two."
"Don't forget the bearded guy in flannel, without a dog" Dean added.
"Yeah, well I can circulate and get any information while you two are busy", Bobby added, sounding rather rehearsed.
"Oh, so that's the reason you're coming with us." Sam said and the brothers nodded together. "We were kinda wondering."
Bobby grumbled some more as he stalked off to speak to people he recognised in the growing crowd. They reached the general milling point and came to a halt.
"Woooo, I've gotten used to being carried around", Gabriel panted, lying down.
After a few moments of watching all the dogs and owners milling about, Crowley watched as three big SUVs arrived and teams of people began setting up inside the Town Hall. They moved efficiently and quickly, obviously well practised in what they were doing. A notice was posted saying auditions would commence at 8:30 am.
While they waited, Dean and Sam were approached by a number of people and their dogs. Their arrival and unfamiliarity among the dog set had caused quite a bit of speculation. Most people were polite, but curious, often relentless with their questions. Crowley quickly grew tired of being bothered by the other dogs and their owners. So he and Gabriel teamed up to get rid of them in as many different and interesting ways they could.
"Did you see Zeppelin run off that overdressed lady with the fluffy mop dog?", Dean said with satisfaction.
"Yeah, he's pretty good" replied Sam, "But did you watch Snookums with that persistent guy and his fancy Dalmatian? He acted real friendly but he kept the Dalmatian so stirred up that the guy had trouble controlling him and asking questions at the same time." Sam laughed.
"We make a good team, Angel", Crowley said with satisfaction after they chased away yet another curious dog owner.
"This is a lot more fun than I'd expected" Gabriel replied as he walked upright on his back paws and grinned.
The crowd began to form into lines as a trio of people set up a sign-in table near the main doors. Moving into the line Crowley found himself next to a greyhound that was crouched like a sphinx, front paws stretched out, head held high and ears perked forwards slightly.
"Isn't this awesome, Crowley? We're gonna be on TV!" Gabriel yipped and the Greyhound next to them sighed.
"Got a problem, mate?" Crowley looked up to the massive dog's head.
"This is the most excitement I've had all day", he said to Crowley. "Frankly, this is all a bit annoying. I'd much rather be back on my couch having a nap".
"Not a very energetic type are you?" Gabriel perked an ear forward and the greyhound snorted.
"Not at all. Greyhounds are sprinters." The Greyhound yawned. "A quick run then I'm on the couch"
"Wow", Gabriel turned to Crowley, "I'm almost falling asleep hearing about it."
"Not everyone has your sugar-fueled energy, Gabriel", Crowley snorted, rolling his eyes at the hyper Chihuahua.
"You love it", Gabriel grinned. He rubbed his face across Crowley's flank. Crowley sighed but didn't move away.
"Do you know anything about the killings going on around here?", Crowley asked turning his attention back to the Greyhound.
"Didn't you hear the dude?" Gabriel jigged on the spot "He's asleep all the time".
The Greyhound bared his teeth and growled. "I can answer for myself".
Crowley was impressed how frightening the docile creature could make himself look. It reminded him of his hounds. Not that they were docile by any measure.
"Gabriel", Crowley sighed as the Angel skittered back and behind Crowley.
"I've heard a few things", Greyhound answered and cleared his throat, "You should talk to my lady. She knows a lot about the goings on".
Gabriel nudged Crowley and pointed with his nose at Dean and Sam who were already chatting to a pretty girl on the other end of the greyhound's leash.
"... he must be a very brave man, because I've seen him down at the park where the dogs were taken."
"You are talking about Kromley?", Dean asked rather sceptically.
Crowley was sure that bravery was not one of that man's virtues. All he'd seen of the man was a cowering simpering fool.
"Yes, the dog catcher, though I suppose he has some other sort of title these days." She agreed. "I've seen him a few times down there in the evenings, so he must be doing it on his time off. Kinda strange really, he doesn't seem all that fond of dogs, even quiet ones like mine." She smiled down at her Greyhound.
"Eli here is a rescued greyhound", she continued as she leaned down to rub his ears.
"Rescued from what?", Gabriel asked Eli with a puzzled look, practically standing on the dog's long folded legs as he tried to look into his eyes.
"Racetrack", said Eli shortly. "I love a good run and it was a lot of fun. But when you aren't fast enough then you aren't useful anymore." His long face looked sad for a moment. "I was lucky to be rescued and found a home. A lot of my friends didn't."
Gabriel looked as though he was going to ask more questions, but Crowley grabbed hold of his tail and dragged him away from Eli. It was really hard getting the Angel to focus on the problem in front of them and not get distracted.
"Bobby's back." Crowley nodded up at the returning figure when he let go of Gabriel's tail. He nipped Gabriel's ear to distract the Angel from licking his tail, forcing him to focus on the main issue.
"Normally you have to submit a video of your dog and his behaviour to be considered for an episode of the show", Bobby stated as he rejoined the boys. "However, this visit to Sioux Falls had already been organised with auditions, accommodations, and all the stuff they need to make an episode. But a lot of the dogs that had been planned for the show have been attacked, so extra auditions are being done here today." He looked down at Crowley. "Do ya reckon they might have a shot at being in the episode?" He looked hopeful. "They sure do have some bad behaviour problems"
Sam and Dean exchanged a look that was amused but determined. "No, no way, Bobby", they both said at the same time.
"We just need to see if we can find out anything on our little problem." Dean spoke carefully, as there were a lot of people within earshot. "We don't need to spend too much time looking into this."
Bobby lowered his voice, "Don't you think it's interesting a lot of the dogs that were attacked are the ones that were going to do this show?"
Dean and Sam took in this information before scanning the crowd with increased interest.
"You think someone here might have arranged for those dogs to be attacked - just so that they could get their dog into a television show?", Dean asked incredulously.
Bobby slapped Dean on the arm and hissed, "Lower your voice!" He huffed out a breath went on to say "Some people take this show very seriously, and would do almost anything to appear on it. Some do it for themselves and others for their dogs." When he saw Sam and Dean's expressions he continued, "You really wouldn't believe how fanatical some of these people can be about their dogs"
The line moved slowly but smoothly as each dog owner registered their details and then moved inside. Bobby was not the only person in the line without a dog and some pets appeared to have their own entourage.
"Can you believe some of these guys?" Gabriel jumped over Crowley, who was sitting, and trotted out as far as his lead would allow. Crowley moved his head so Gabriel's lead wasn't brushing against his nose.
"Sit down, Gabriel" Crowley huffed, amused as the brown Chihuahua quivered with glee, dashing this way and that.
"That Shih Tzu has a uniform, personal hairdresser, and a pram!" Gabriel laughed and came back over to Crowley, sitting nearly on top of him, their sides pressed together. Crowley rolled his eyes but didn't move. He'd never tell the Angel but he really did enjoy his company. Life was never dull when he was around.
After a while there was a steady stream of owners departing the exit doors, obviously rejected hopefuls judging from their dejected demeanour. Crowley chuckled at the couple who left crying and sobbing.
The demon and the angel were a big hit with the lady at the registration desk with both of them on their best behaviour, for once. Crowley had the weirdly uncomfortable feeling that Gabriel was looking down the lady's cleavage when she bent over to pat him. He even rolled onto his back, waving his little paws in the air. The same lady cooed at him and didn't even protest when Gabriel licked her face. Crowley looked on in horror.
"That's how you do it, sweetlips" Smirked Gabriel.
"No way, you missed the point altogether", Crowley said with an insufferable expression "That was a disgustingly pathetic display"
"Oh, really?" Gabriel flattened his ears "You wanna show me how to do it properly, big boy?"
"You couldn't handle it, darling"
This was enough to tip Gabriel into a frenzy, especially after the effort of trying to behave all morning. He threw himself upon Crowley and they became a snarling, biting ball of rolling fur. Crowley heard people scream as they erupted into the hall.
They came to a stop when they struck another dog queued inside. Crowley quickly righted himself and watched as their fight caused a domino effect down the line. The startled dog they ran into jumped forward into the next dog, who repeated the process until chaos ensued throughout the hall. Equipment and tables went flying, paperwork scattered, and people pulled off their feet when leads were caught around their legs.
Sam, Dean, and Bobby stood just inside the doorway watching in horror as the destruction escalated in front of them.
"Do you think we should just sneak out now, and hope no one figures out it was your dogs that wrecked the place?", a mortified Bobby asked. Crowley grabbed Gabriel's collar and yanked to get the other's attention. Gabriel grinned back at him and followed when Crowley ran off to a raised platform nearby to better oversee the chaos.
"Way better view!", Gabriel laughed and nudged Crowley. Crowley looked over to where the Winchesters were standing.
Sam saw him and exclaimed in relief, "There they are!" He pointed to the raised podium at the end of the hall were they were sitting pretty, watching the pandemonium, their tongues hanging out with amusement. Gabriel occasionally flinched when someone crashed to the floor.
"Now who'd have thought that being with the Winchester boys would be this amusing", laughed Crowley as he watched a Dalmatian dragging its owner along the floor, trying to escape the jaws of a hyped up, though normally sedate, Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Bobby growled something in embarrassment to Dean and Sam. So much for Bobby's hopes of seeing Cesar Milan in person, Crowley thought and snickered.
As the three of them carefully picked their way around equipment, dogs, and people toward the podium, they were stopped by a determined middle-aged lady who'd managed not only to stay on her feet, but still had hold of her clipboard. They were close enough that Crowley could overhear the conversation.
"What are their names, and your details please?" she asked politely, but firmly, as she nodded towards Crowley and Gabriel.
Bobby paled, probably thinking of law suits, damages, his reputation and other related costs. It was okay for the Winchesters, they didn't live in this town. Not that Crowley cared about Bobby's happiness or reputation. He really didn't. At all.
"Look, we're really sorry." Sam began to apologise, looking contrite.
"Oh, don't apologise" the lady insisted, "They are perfect for the show. Luke was able to keep filming, so we've got most of it on tape. It will make an excellent intro." She nodded towards a cameraman no one had noticed before.
"After all these years of working with Cesar, the crew and staff have developed the talent of avoiding trouble." She smiled. "My name is Kathy, and it is a pleasure to meet you."
Bobby moved forward and smiled back at her with real warmth, "Those two devils are Zeppelin and Snookums, and they sure can be a handful when they get going. These boys here are Sam and Dean Winchester", he said nodding in their direction. "Sam's little fella is Snookums, while Dean has Zeppelin."
Sam and Dean exchanged a look of resignation.
"Wonderful" Kathy said as she wrote the details on her form. "Since everyone signed a release before entering, we don't have that headache for the film, and, of course, there is the usual insurance waiver as well, just in case you were worried. That covers the replacement of anything damaged."
She laughed at the relieved look on Bobby's face.
"You've actually done us a favour", she said, surprising them. "Not only do we have an excellent pair of dogs for a segment, but at the same time, we have sorted out the other dogs we want in a much quicker time than usual."
"To return the favour", she continued, "it might be wise if you collected your two and made yourselves scarce for a while, until we can sort out everyone else." She nodded at some of the crew who were helping people. "Luckily it doesn't look as though there are any injuries, although some dignity has been bruised."
"Yeah, that sounds good to me, too", replied Dean as he moved towards the podium.
"Are you coming?", Sam asked when Bobby made no move to follow.
"Yeah, yeah, keep your hair on." Bobby shook himself. "Let's get those mutts and clear out of here"
As they left the hall, Crowley tuned out the sound of Bobby's grumbling, the old hunter could go on and on and on… He lagged behind the Winchesters, partly because he was tired from the day's events but mainly to keep the sound of Bobby's voice out of his ears.
Gabriel kept turning around and grinning at him from his position at the front of their little pack, probably because of Bobby's grumbling. But before they'd gone far, Gabriel came trotting back to him.
"Look! It's him!"
Crowley put his paw up to keep Gabriel away before looking backwards.
"So this human can apparently tame animals?", Crowley snorted. He watched as a short man with slightly greying hair stepped out of a van, staring rather bemusedly at the chaos of people and dogs emerging from the hall.
"Dogs", Gabriel nodded next to him. "Hence 'Dog Whisperer'"
"Pfft", Crowley snorted sceptically.
"I dunno, he seems very calm and assertive," Gabriel snickered then sighed when Crowley didn't give him a reaction "It's no fun if you don't have any idea what I'm talking about."
"Then never talk to me"
"Croooowley!" Gabriel whined and Crowley could hear him skittering along behind him as he walked off after the others.
On the way, Bobby decided to not accompany them to question Officer Kromley.
"Good, we'll give you Zepp and Snook to take back –" Was as far as Dean got before Bobby cut him off.
"Your dogs, your problem." Bobby chuckled, giving them a jaunty wave as he hopped in his car. Crowley had almost missed the exchange due do trying to kick off Gabriel who had a sudden interest in licking him.
"Quit it, Angel" Crowley put his paws up and pushed Gabriel's face away.
"Come on, Crowley" Gabriel grinned "I'm trying to groom you, it's what dogs do"
"I'm not a dog" Crowley growled and skittered away as Gabriel tried to advance again.
"I'm gonna getcha!" They ran around Dean and Gigantor's legs. Crowley barked in frustration as they both came to end of their leashes tangled around human legs.
"Holy crap!" Dean wiggled a leg and had to grab Sam's arm to steady himself then sighed, "Fabulous."
"Haha!" Gabriel crowed in triumph half tangled on top of Crowley. "Give up, you know you can't win"
"I haven't even started resisting yet, Angel", Crowley snapped at Gabriel. Dean and Sam each managed to untangle themselves and grab each of them before Crowley could do any serious damage.
"Oh, yeah" Dean smiled wide at Sam, sounding overly sarcastic "This is going to be great"
Gabriel laughed and kept laughing even as they all tumbled into the car. Crowley shook his head but couldn't help the grin from spreading across his face. The Trickster's good mood was infectious.
It was a reasonably short ride from the town hall to the pound. Sioux Falls wasn't a big place, and Gabriel spent most of it standing in Sam's lap sticking his head out of the window. When they arrived, Sam placed Gabriel on the back seat and wound the window up so it was only open at the top.
"Good boys. Stay here." Sam patted Gabriel on the head and opened his door. Crowley snorted and dashed out the door with Gabriel. No way he was staying cooped up in that monstrosity of a car.
Crowley watched Sam slam the door to the Impala shut then look down at both he and Gabriel.
"Wha? How did you?" Sam pointed between the car and Crowley.
"Please", Crowley snorted and started down the path to the pound only to be picked up by Dean.
"Not coming with, Zepp." Dean opened the door and placed him inside as Sam plopped Gabriel on the back seat. Crowley was out again in less time than it took for Dean to close the door.
"Damnit, Zepp" Dean jogged after him as Crowley made a mad dash for the door to the pound. He almost got there but he was clamped up in Winchester's paws at the last moment and carried back to the car.
"Lock me in there and I swear I will pee all over your precious Impala", Crowley growled.
"Be a good boy!" Dean patted Zeppelin and slammed the door shut quickly. Crowley glowered and lifted a leg just as Dean was turning away. Gabriel snickered from the back seat as the door was yanked open and Crowley was picked up and deposited on the lawn. But before he could revel in his freedom, Dean clipped his lead to Crowley's collar.
"Great plan, Crowley", Gabriel called from the car, "What now?"
"Shut up." Crowley plonked down on the grass and stared up at Dean, who was staring back down at him with raised eyebrows.
"You gotta go?" Dean waved a hand "Go!"
"We should get a move on, Dean"
"Yeah I know, Sammy." Dean sighed and narrowed his eyes at Crowley. Crowley tried his best to look innocent, his head cocked to one side.
"Anytime you're ready", Dean murmured swinging the lead idly.
"Dean", Sam stressed the word out and Crowley turned to look at him as Dean flung an arm out.
"What? You're the one who wanted dogs", Dean huffed and tied Crowley's lead to the Impala and turned to Sam "D'reckon he'll be safe?"
Sam nodded. "There's never been an attack during the day."
Dean hesitated a few more seconds before he moved off after Sam. Crowley sighed and lay down on the grass while Gabriel scratched at the glass from inside the car.
"I wanna be outside", Gabriel whined and Crowley looked up to see him trying to jump for the small opening.
"I always knew there was something off about that Kromley." Crowley ignored Gabriel as he kept scrambling for the window. The guy had been constantly on edge, skittish and nervous and it had made Crowley's skin crawl. And that was saying something. Coming from a profession dealing with souls Crowley knew a lot about their different conditions. Bobby's had been worn around the edges, darkened with grief but annoyingly bright with the love he had for the Winchesters and the hope of helping as many people as he could. Bobby's was one of the more intact souls he'd had the pleasure of holding on to for, sadly, too short a time. Mostly, he had collected greedy, slobbery, disgusting messes. All of them wanting the easy option and not fully grasping the Hell, pun intended, they'd got themselves into. They were his favourite kind, too stupid to realise ten years is nothing compared to a lifetime. Crowley sighed and wished for the simplicity of the early days. Being the King of Hell was not all it was cracked up to be. Demons were a lousy lot to manage. Backstabbing bastards.
"Crowley!" Gabriel barked "I'm bored. What are you doing out there?"
"Thinking, Angel" Crowley turned so he was facing the car. "Did you notice anything strange about the idiot in the pound?"
"Psssh!", Gabriel snorted, "Only everything. He was in the middle of taking that nasty mongrel somewhere, you know the one Dean saved you from, when he had to go answer the door."
"Where was he taking it?" Crowley narrowed his eyes. "There's not much more to that dirt-infested compound than a front and back."
"Maybe he was feeding it off to whatever is eating dogs around here", Gabriel snorted, amused, and Crowley realised what had been bothering him about the guy. He must have been the one to summon whatever this thing was. Messing with dark magic had a way of sucking your soul dry, leaving a repulsive stain burnt into what's left of it. Those kinds of people didn't have a problem finding their way to Hell.
"He summoned the thing", Crowley said. "He isn't going to that park looking for dogs to rescue, he's taking them there to feed whatever he's conjured."