"It's not every day I get a research question on Pagan ideology."
Dean smiles at the professor. "Yeah, well, call it a hobby."
"And you're all together?" the professor questions.
The four offer their brightest grin to convince the professor.
"We studied together at Ohio State," Nancy offers. "And we never gave it up."
The professor nods. "But you wanted something about local Pagan beliefs?"
"That's correct," Sam answers.
"I'm afraid Indiana isn't known for its Pagan worship."
"Well, what if it was imported? You know, like the Pilgrims brought their religion over. Wasn't a lot of this area settled by immigrants?" Dean presses.
"Of course," the professor shrugs.
Dean eyes Sam. "Like that town near here, Burkitsville. Where are their ancestors from?"
"Uh, northern Europe, I believe, Scandinavia."
"Is there anything you can tell us about those Pagan gods?" Sam steps in.
"Certainly but there are hundreds," the professor protests.
"Well, what about one that lives in an orchard," Joe suggests.
"A wood god? Now that I have something on," the professor mutters to himself and begins searching his book shelves.
Sharp ringing pierces the air, and they turn to see Nancy scrambling to find her phone. "It's Bess, Joe. I've got to take this. Meet you all outside?"
The others agree and focus back onto the professor.
"Woods god, hm?" he flips through the large book.
Sam's eyes grow wide. "Hey, wait, who's this one?"
"Well, that's not a woods god per se."
Dean looks over. "The V-Vanir?" the professor nods. "The Vanir were Norse gods of protection and prosperity, keeping the local settlements safe from harm. Some villages built effigies of the Vanir in their fields. Other villages practiced human sacrifice. One male, and one female."
Joe points to the picture. "Kind of looks like a scarecrow, huh?"
"I suppose," the professor responds.
"According to this," Sam reads. "The energy sprung from a scared tree."
Joe smirks. "I wonder what would happen if we torched the sucker."
"We're talking about fantasy, son," the professor chides.
"Yeah, of course," Joe looks at the brothers. "I think that's all we needed today."
Dean nods his thanks. "I'll go get the car."
Sam offers a handshake for the professor. "Thank you so much, sir. We really appreciate your time."
"Of course. Of course," the professor insists. "It's what I'm here for."
Joe stands at the side while Sam finishes his good-byes and a few words on other gods. When Sam finally joins him, Joe grins. "This what Dean always does? Waits for you?"
"I wait for him plenty," Sam laughs. "Take him to a bar, and you'll find out just how long."
"No thanks," Joe chuckles before stepping into the cool air. "Hey, uh, where's the car? I thought Dean was getting it."
"I did too."
"Sam, watch out!"
He ducks away from the butt of a gun flying his way. Sam recognizes the sheriff lunging for him, but he's tackled to the ground as Joe leaps forward.
"Let's go!" Joe shouts, and they hustle away. "Where's Nancy?"
"And Dean?" Sam's face taut with worry. "The sheriff might have kidnapped them."
"That son of a bitch!"
"Keep it down," Sam warns then pulls Joe down an alley. "We need to get away from them pronto."
"On it."
Sam watches Joe search past the buildings, but when Sam spots a lonely car, he knows what to do. "Follow me."
They race to the car, and Sam tests the car. It's unlocked!
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?" Sam mutters as the engine roars to life.
"Isn't this less than legal?"
"Do you want to stop and speak to the sheriff about it?"
"Good point. Let's roll!"
Sam is grim. "We've got to find them before sunset."
"Well, we know where they'll be at," Joe frowns, and with that, Sam guns it.