Chapter 9

Texas was several hours away yet, and Dean was tired. He didn't sleep much in prison. His roommate was a little unstable, and Dean didn't trust him. The man got transferred to another part of the prison shortly after Dean arrived. The man had gotten beaten by another inmate for jumping in front of him in the chow line.

Dean was glad he wouldn't have to share his space for a while. He felt bad for the guy, but still…. He had had the cell to himself for about 3 days before Bobby showed up. But it would take him a week to catch up on all the sleep he felt like he had missed. Dean checked the door to make sure it was locked before he leaned against it, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

Bobby watched Dean for a while, stealing glances as he drove. He knew the boy was hungry. He was starving. He looked for a roadside diner and pulled into the parking lot as soon as he spotted it.

"Hey Son, Dean." Bobby nudged Dean's shoulder. They had just crossed into Arkansas. Bobby knew that there was a shorter route. But he didn't dare take it, just in case the guard had figured out that he was not really FBI, that Agent Jerry Sambora didn't really exist.

Dean stirred slightly, but then went back to sleep. And Bobby waited only a second before he made the decision. He parked the car in the diner lot. He went in and got them both something to eat. They then drove off in search of a cheap motel.

Bobby woke Dean up and got him into the room. He then managed to get the elder Winchester to eat before Dean fell asleep again on the motel room bed. Bobby decided to let Dean sleep. He looked tired, and Bobby needed time to read over the spells in the book. He wanted to see if maybe there was another one he could use to spring Sam. Bobby just was not sure if the same spell would work for him, if he used it again.

Bobby kept a close eye on Dean. He could tell that Dean was still sore. He was making faces and moaning when he moved in the bed. And he was holding the right side of his chest. And the older hunter was pretty positive that Dean was not taking his pain medicine like he should, if he had been getting it in the prison, at all. He tried to take a look at Dean's scar while he slept. But he found other things that caused concern. He found black and purple bruising on Dean's chest, obviously recent, since Bobby hadn't noticed it when Dean had changed clothes in the car. And there were yellowed bruises on the elder Winchester's back. Those were obviously old. And Bobby was sure he knew how the hot-headed young man got them. He had mouthed off to the wrong person.

Bobby sighed. He still had to figure out what he was going to do to spring Sam. He just was not sure the spell would work a second time. But it was the most practical. It was the simplest plan. And Bobby was sure that Dean would not like one part of it. But it had to be that way. Bobby was going to have to walk in alone and bring Sam out, just like he did with Dean. He knew Dean would want to be in on this, and he expected a fight.

Dean woke up a little confused. He knew he was not in prison anymore, the bed was far too comfortable and there were no sounds of cell doors clanging or inmates yelling at one another. He rolled over on his back and huffed out a big breath.

Dean then propped himself up on his elbow and looked at Bobby. "Why aren't we in Texas?"

"Two reasons, first, you needed the rest. Second, I needed to come up with a plan B."

"So, what's plan B?" Dean asked as he sat up, trying not to groan at the soreness.

"Repeat Plan A." Bobby admitted.

"But?" Dean asked, reading the concern on the older man's face.

"But…it worked so well the first time, I don't know if it will work again. I just…." Bobby shook his head. "I only have one chance at this." He looked at Dean for a moment before he spoke again studying his reaction. "I'm gonna need you to stay here for this. I know what you're gonna say. But the most important thing is we get Sam back. That's the goal."

"Okay." Dean said, calmly.

"Okay?" The older hunter had expected an argument, this really surprised him. "What…?"

"I get it, Bobby." Dean said. He stood and stretched. "We need Sam back here, with us. That's…I'm not going to lose him again." He said as he started to the bathroom.

"What does that mean?" Bobby stood. He followed Dean to the door. He stood outside the closed door and asked again. "What did you mean by that, Dean?"

Bobby didn't get an answer. He sat on his bed and waited patiently as a fully clothed Dean emerged from the bathroom. He finished drying his hair and then tossed the towel on his bed.

"This whole…thing, this heaping mound of…crap is my fault." Dean stated. "I was the one who came up with the plan in New York. And it was a bad one, it sucked. And I…." Dean paced as he jaw visibly tightened. "If I had come up with something else, Sammy wouldn't have gotten shot, Bobby." The elder Winchester lamented. "I put my friends lives in danger...and I almost killed my own brother. How am I supposed to live with that?"

TBC

END NOTES: I had to throw some Dean!Guilt in there, it just wouldn't have been the same. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I am writing these and posting them as I go, so I am not quite sure what will happen next. But thanks for hanging in there with me. I hope you're enjoying the ride. If you see any mistakes, you are welcome to PM me, I am presently without a beta. And, as always, thanks, for reading, reviewing and alerting.