Disclaimer: Nope, nada, zip zilch!
A/N: To my loyal fans/reviewers three, WinchesterBabe1999, DeansBabyBird and LilyBolt, thank you ever-so-much! I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
And to DeansBabyBird, thanks for the beta and for just being you!
Chapter 2: Hunting For a Distraction
I jolt upright, gasping. Regret is a oppressive weight on my chest, longing a tug on my heart and misery the ache in my gritty eyes. The voice of my "other" mom, the djinn induced mother, suddenly echoes in my head.
"No more pain, no more fear. Just love and comfort and safety. It's everything you want."
And everything I can't have! Sam, alive and well without having to sacrifice my soul. My mother. A life with Lisa and Ben.
Enough!
I can tell that there will be no rest for me tonight. When I let my brain idle in neutral, the flashback shit storm happens and I just can't take anymore right now. I desperately need a distraction. I sigh quietly and sluggishly move to the rickety table where Sam's laptop is charging. Time for plan E: Porn. If that doesn't work... Plan F: Find some ass hat worth ganking.
I stare blankly at the screen of the computer and I ponder the dream land that the djinn tried to consign me to.
I miss my mom. Not just the one I remember from my childhood but also the replica of her too. What was it she said before I'd ganked myself outta that dream world?
Oh. Yeah.
"It's still better than anything you had."
Which has turned out to be true. Besides Sam, I don't have anything to look forward to here. Just the impending fires of hell.
In the dream world, mom was alive. Jess had never been killed by Yellow-eyes (there had never even been a Yellow-eyed demon), Sam was still going to be a lawyer and I had a hot, hot girlfriend. Carmen was respectable and a nurse and she really got me.
Granted, in the djinn universe, Dad was dead of a regular run-of-the-mill stroke and me and Sammy weren't close. I'd momentarily contemplated staying (and dying) in that world for the sole reason of fixing that relationship. The fact that he was an illusion, that that whole world was an illusion, brought me back to reality, to my Sam.
I shudder, wondering what would have happened out here in the real world if I'd stayed in my dream world. I'd be dead right now, for certain, and where would that have left Sammy? Would he have still died at Cold Oak? Would my death have motivated him more to fight Jake and survive or would he have just welcomed death? Would we both be in Heaven right now with our mom and, hopefully, our dad?
If Sam had fought Jake and won, would he have opened the gates of hell for Yellow-eyes or would he just have used the Colt to send that douchebag packing? I hope he would have just shot him dead but if old Yellow-eyes had offered to bring me back, would Sam have jumped at the chance or would he have killed him anyway? I already knew what I would have done if our roles were reversed. It's why I only had one year left to live now.
Jesus! I've got to stop this line of thinking right now. It's just way too heavy. The what ifs could run on infinitely and I just don't have the time or desire to analyze it anymore.
My eyes focus on the computer screen before me and I remember why I'm sitting here in the first place. Distraction. My last resort.
I log onto the Busty Asian Beauties web site and it opens in all its semi-naked-Asian-chicks glory and is then promptly covered by several annoying pop-ups. It's aggravating because I thought Sam had disabled all the pop-up bullshit (plus it was cutting into my B.A.B me time). Guess I was wrong.
I systematically begin closing them down when the phrase "supernatural desires" splashes across one of the boxes and catches my attention. I debate the wisdom of clicking on it, weighing the pros and cons. On one hand, it could be a virus, possibly one of a supernatural origin, and Sam would pitch a major bitch fit if I gave his computer another virus. On the other hand, it could be a case. I figure it's worth the risk and click on it.
My jaw drops in amazement as I stare at the electronic flyer.
It's laid out like a "classy" ad for a call girl only for people with a taste for, and I have to read the line again, a "supernatural lifestyle".I have to be honest with myself, the advertisement is understated and if it hadn't been for the blatant promotion of what was being offered, I would have overlooked it completely.
This was looking to be too good to be true. A hunt presenting itself on a platter? To me? It was more than likely a trap or possibly just an elaborate set up by regular people to dupe other, more ignorant people looking for a good time. But if it's not...
I need to do a bit of research and I don't want to involve Sam. I'm not sure why I don't want Sammy in on this but something deep inside tells me that I need to take care of this by myself.
I read the advertisement again.
Come to Madam Hecate's Salon: Purveyor of Supernatural Entertainment
Are you lonely? Do you have an unusual fetish?
Dabble in the occult?
Crave a taste of a supernatural lifestyle?
Come to Madam Hecate's where our highly trained technicians will endeavor
to cater to whatever your unique little heart desires at minimal cost to you.
Packages: A list of packages is provided in person at Madam Hecate's
Amenities:
Friendly (or not so friendly, depending on your tastes), highly-trained, professional staff.
No maiming, no killing. Safety guaranteed.
100% legal.
Pick your fantasy and we'll bring it to life. No job too small.
Discretion and anonymity are provided.
Parties:
Plan your event with us.* **
Bring your significant other.* **
Bachelor/ bachelorette parties.* **
*All new clients must be approved by Madam Hecate.
**All parties must sign a nondisclosure agreement.
Testimonials:
Madam Hecate's Salon allows me to be the me I've always wanted to be and yet go home to
my wife and children and not have to worry about getting caught. I get the best of both
worlds!
Rating: *****/ Anonymous- John
I came to Madam Hecate's Salon seeking the kind of encounter I could not find any place
else. Thank you, Madam Hecate, for helping me to realize my desires.
Rating: *****/ Anonymous- Jane
Fine print:
-By appointment only. All interviews conducted confidentially by Madam Hecate herself
to ensure complete compatibility and satisfaction.
-Cost may vary by scenario.
-Payment due at time of service. Cash or money order only.
Call anytime day or night. Operators standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
At the very bottom of the ad are two numbers. One dedicated to new customers and the other for repeat customers.
I couldn't help but be amused and yet slightly irked at the testimonials. The John was duping his family but was totally alright with that while the Jane... Never mind. I don't even want to speculate what she's into. I shake my head. Monsters I get, people though, are just fucked!
I lean back in my chair with a sense of anticipation. This would be perfect. Just what I need to clear my head of my own bullshit, a challenging hunt.
I glance over at Sam's bed. He's still sleeping soundly. Come to think of it, he seems to be sleeping a lot better since we'd put the Yellow-eyed demon out of commission and I'm nothing but grateful. Still, I don't want him knowing about this hunt so I'm going to have to sneak off to make this phone call.
I look back to the computer screen and write down all of the pertinent information, including the name Madam Hecate. I swear I've seen it before and I figure if I'm going to do this right then I need to know who I'm dealing with.
I close the site and clear out the history. No need to leave any bread crumbs behind for Sam to follow. I contemplate pulling up the Busty Asian Beauties site again but change my mind immediately. Porn can wait, I have a mission.
I stealthily creep out of our motel room and sit on Baby's hood. I'm not willing to wake Sam up with this little conversation.
I pull out the paper that has all the information on it and debate on whether to call or not. Especially since deciding that I'm going without backup.
"Screw it. I'm doing this!" Decision made, I dial the new clients number. It rings twice before a sultry, automated voice answers.
"Hello and thank you for calling Madam Hecate's Salon. If you would like to schedule a compatibility interview press 1. For prices and billing questions press 2. For general questions press 3. If you have dialed the wrong number, please hang up and try your call again."
After hearing that last prompt, I wonder if anyone has dialed this number by mistake and just went for it. I shrug my shoulders and press 1. The phone rings again. This time a tinny automated voice comes across the line.
"All operators are currently busy but please stay on the line. Your fantasies, desires, and wishes are very important to us."
"Yeah, I'll bet." I snort to myself but I hold the line. Two minutes later I'm rewarded for my patience as yet another automated voice comes through the receiver.
"This call will be monitored for quality assurance. Please have your alias ready."
Uhhh... Alias? Shit. Ok. Page. Mr. Page. Always stick with the rock aliases.
"Madam Hecate's Salon. My name is Adriana. How my I help you?" answers a chipper voice.
"Uh, yes. I wanted to make an appointment to see Madam Hecate."
"Compatibility consult, Mr.?"
"Page and yes."
"When would you like to be scheduled, Mr. Page?"
"Is tomorrow too soon?" Please have an appointment, I think to myself. I want to get this started before Sam finds us a new hunt.
"Let me check, sir." I hear the clack of computer keys in the background. "You're in luck! I have an opening at ten a.m! May I put you down for that appointment?"
"That would be perfect!" I mimic her in bemusement.
"Wonderful! Now be sure to bring two-hundred dollars, either cash or money order, for the consultation fee. Due to our stringent anonymity policy we do not accept checks or credit cards."
Oh. I hadn't thought of that. I quickly calculated how much cash Sam and I had between us and realized that it was only a little over four-hundred dollars. I guess when I get back home tomorrow I'll be doing some hustling, be it pool or a poker game, to replenish our funds.
"Sir, are you there? I can arrange the consult for a later date if you need me to."
"No, it's fine. No problem."
"Wonderful! Now then, Mr. Page, just a few small matters to attend to. We have your phone number on file now, is this a means of communication you'd be comfortable using for our correspondence or should we use an alternate method?" she asks pleasantly.
Wow! Yet another thing I hadn't thought of. This is why Sam always does the research and I'm just the grunt on the front lines.
"Alternate communication, please." I answer her.
"Lovely. Is e-mail safe for you sir?"
I hesitate but I know its the only other option available to me. "Yes it is."
"Thank you, sir. May I have the address now, please?" she prompts.
"It's capital b, nineteen, capital a, sixty-seven, capital b at lottamail dot com." She repeats it back correctly to me.
"Now what is your favorite food?" she queries.
"Uh, pie, but what's that got to do with any of this?"
That chipper little voice says, "When we send you the e-mail it will be disguised under the heading, 'Hec's Pie of the Month Club'." and though she doesn't say it aloud , I can swear she's tacked on you big silly head at the end of that sentence.
"Awesome." I snark, "What will this e-mail actually contain?" I'm curious and a little amazed at how well thought out this all is. It feels a little cloak and dagger but I'm not complaining.
"The address to Madam Hecate's, what to bring with you, code of conduct. Basically, everything you need to know until you get here."
"Wow, you all really got this down pat." Good thing for me they're thorough.
"Yes sir. We take the anonymity and satisfaction of our customers very seriously. Now, can I help you with anything else tonight?"
I can't help but chuckle at her perky tone, "Not that I can think of."
"Very well, sir. Your e-mail has been sent and you should be receiving it any moment now. Your appointment is scheduled for ten a.m. tomorrow morning. Please do not forget to bring the two-hundred dollars for the consultation fee and make sure you read over that e-mail thoroughly. Have a nice evening, Mr. Page."
"You too, Adrianna." I reply and end the call.
I lean back against Baby's hood as I feel the turmoil of the day catch up to me. I'm so tired I can feel it in my bones and I want nothing more than to go crawl into bed and sleep. First, I've got to check my e-mail and research Madam Hecate.
I slip back into the room and seat myself back in front of Sam's laptop. First, I open my e-mail and sure enough the chipper and efficient Adrianna was correct as I see the heading 'Hec's Pie of the Month Club'. I open it and am surprised at how little info there is. I start reading, knowing I need to be prepared so I don't go in there blind tomorrow.
As Adrianna had said, the first part gives the address, 812 on the corner of Maple Street and Vine Avenue in middle of nowhere Kentucky (Great, on a crossroad. Just what I need!). I open a new tab and look up directions to the house from our motel and discover that it will only take about two hours to get to my destination, an hour and a half if I drive really fast. I write down the directions and tuck it into the pocket of my jeans.
The next item on the e-mail is a list of things to bring with me. It's very short and just says to bring the money for the consultation fee and to make sure that it's either cash or money order. Simple enough.
The last part is the lengthiest portion of the e-mail. The code of conduct. I glance through it and balk a bit when I get to the part about weapons. I read the list: No knives, guns, machetes, salt, holy water, iron, silver, lamb's blood or dead man's blood. That means that there will be demons, ghosts, vampires, possibly a djinn and a shifter present.
Great! Why am I doing this again? Oh right, because I'm an idiot. Well, this is only going to be a reconnaissance mission then. With my identity hidden I can scope out the place and decide whether or not to get Sam involved. I really hope it doesn't come to that. I need this hunt to be mine alone.
The last thing listed on the e-mail is a sentence I have to say to gain admittance to Madam Hecate's inner sanctum. Cut and dried. I feel stupid just reading the line in my head and I wonder if the whole point is to make the client feel just a little bit stupid upon arrival. Oh well, I just have to suck it up if I want to get the job done. Plus, I'd done plenty of stupid things for a case before and this little sentence could be just the thing I need to blow this operation wide open.
I delete the e-mail and open a new tab and look up Madam Hecate. When that doesn't yield results I look up just the name Hecate and find out that she's a Greek deity who was associated with crossroads (go figure), fire, the moon, magic, witchcraft, herbs and poisonous plants. She is also said to grant blessings on sailors and hunters. If that's the case then she's just going to love me! Probably not since she's a witch too, damn my luck. She just had to be be a witch and I hate witches! I shudder when I realize that I have to have a meet and greet with her tomorrow. I'll just have to try not to give her any reason to hex me.
I sigh, clear out the history once again and shut the laptop. I need to get a little sleep if I'm going to be worth a damn at all tomorrow and I need to figure out what to tell Sam in the morning to explain my absence. I'll probably go with the path of least resistance and tell him I'm going to do a supply run. We could use a few things... Suddenly, I remember the emergency money I always keep in the trunk of the Impala under our arsenal of knives. It's only a hundred dollars or so but it'll do.
I step outside really quickly to double check that I haven't already used the money and find it all there. Good, one last thing to have to worry Sam about. I go back inside and set the alarm on my phone. I lay down on the musty bed, too tired to get out of my clothes and fall to sleep almost immediately.
My alarm goes off and I want to hit snooze badly but don't because I have a big day ahead of me.
Sam is already up, morning person that he is, and at the laptop. He glances up at me, then quickly away and closes the computer.
"Hey. You hungry?" I look at him oddly because when am I not hungry in the mornings?
"Yeah. What's goin' on Sammy? You're acting all cagey."
"Nothing, Dean. I was just going to get us some breakfast. What do you want?" I just stare at him, waiting because I know this is about my deal.
"Sam? I know you're looking for a way out of my deal. We've already discussed this..."
"No! You've already discussed this. What about me? I should have a say."
"Not how it works, kiddo. Do you not remember the part about you dying if I get out of this?" I say the words softly because I don't want to say them at all. His head hangs low and his hair covers his face from my view. When he looks up his lips are pressed together and I can tell that he's trying to bite his tongue and not say anything but I can also tell from the look in his eyes that he's determined to still look no matter what I say. That he's going to keep trying to get me out of this no matter what. I sigh and feel like it comes all the way up from the soles of my feet.
"Do you mind if we stay here again tonight? I've got to make a supply run and it would just be easier. Plus there's a hot waitress over at the diner that I've been flirting with." He gives me his patented bitch face and I just smirk but he relents and I get a quick glimpse of that determined expression again. I know once I leave that he's going to be all about researching a way out of my deal. I'll just have to straighten him out when I get back.
"Fine, Dean. I'll look for a case while you're gone." Sure, and I'll grow wings and fly like a bird but I just nod.
"I'm going to go and get breakfast. I'll be back in a few."
"I was gonna do that."
"Don't worry about it, Sammy." In fact don't worry about my deal, just worry about yourself.
I'm gone maybe fifteen minutes and when I come back, we quickly eat our donuts and down our coffees. I check the time and realize I need to get going.
"I'm heading out. Is there anything you need while I'm gone?" He thinks for a minute then shakes his head no.
"Not that I can think of."
"Alright, well I'll be gone for a few hours so if you need anything just call."
"I think I'll be alright on my own for a few hours, Dean." He snarks and I worry that he's going to do something stupid, that I'm on my way to go do something stupid.
"Fine. I'll call you when I'm on my way back, Bitch!" His lips twitch up into a minute smile.
"Whatever you say, Jerk." I smile as I pull the door closed.