Chapter 6

"Good thing I brought sunglasses because too much sun is killing me," Austin said as he scoped out the Wilkerson House.

"And you tolerate it better than most of the other faculty," Akira replied.

"Where are the Winchesters? Shouldn't they be here by now?"

Austin and Akira looked at Christian who was looking bored by the whole thing but that cleverly hid his usual penchant for concern. It had been a fairly fast trip down there and a surprise to discover that they were expected and had rooms ready for them. Being what they were and what they did on the side of teaching, all three took to looking around the grounds for anything suspicious. Nothing was coming to mind though.

Akira looked around the grounds. She could see cars pulling up and guessed that they were there for some conference for moms or other. In her mind that was a bad joke in regards to Angela since she was like a mom at times. She saw kids being dragged by moms but no sign of the familiar black Impala. Even though she had seen it only once, it was hard to forget since she had seen how Dean was possessive of that car. "I would expect them to be here by now too. Hmm."

If anyone was bothering to pay attention, they would have seen three people standing and looking like they were something out of the Matrix or FBI agents even. However with the various things going on, no one took notice of them walking around and looking at everything around the place. Akira was inspecting what used to be stables when she spotted something. "Hey look at this."

Akira rifled through the leaves and grass outside and she found something. It was small and most people wouldn't be looking for it. She fished for a pen out of her pocket and like an investigator, she picked it up. "Been a while since I've seen one of these."

It was a bracelet and homemade. It was not the kind that kids made and wore for friendship. It was old and it had beading and amulets with etchings on them. It was a protective charm bracelet. Only someone who knew and could understand the methods could make it. Austin couldn't understand Akira's fascination with it and asked, "Okay so what is that?"

Akira studied it. It was very old. It hadn't been made fairly recent. She replied, "Protective charm bracelet. From the look of it I say that it has voodoo influence. It's strange but not too strange. Could be that someone who used to work here came from voodoo central." She studied it some more. It was fascinating. Maybe when Angela showed up, she would give it to her for her collection.

She still inspected it as she stood up. It was fascinating. She said, "This definitely is not of this time. Maybe a century old. Look at that amulet. It's pewter. Modern ones are out of cheaper stuff."

"You and your ancient mysteries," Christian replied with a slight smile. He was just as bad with history and artifacts and Austin's appreciation of old and moldy books.

Akira gave a slight chuckle. She felt the urge to do research and the like but right now there was an investigation to complete. The funny thing was they were not even on a case and yet force of habit had the three of them questioning everything and checking for every possible in regards to the supernatural. "So anything else?"

Christian and Austin looked around the place. There was nothing else to do. From the looks of things there was nothing immediately supernatural. However that didn't mean that they couldn't let their guard down. If there was someone setting a trap then they could strike whenever. Of course they could be overreacting and maybe too many years on the job.

Austin looked around. There really was nothing to do until the others arrived. Maybe it was nothing and the Winchesters may have saved up and were treating Angela. Certainly they would try if they were able to set aside enough from the hustling. He replied, "Nothing much to do but wait. If I'm not mistaken, the Winchesters should be arriving if they were in the neighborhood or they are already here and just playing a prank."

"We seriously need to not think too deeply into everything," Akira couldn't help but say. "Makes us all seem like pathetic nerds." She gave a slight smile as she started walking back towards the main house.

"Sometimes I wonder if she isn't happy about what she does now," Christian said as he watched Akira head back to the house. "She is still considered very young."

Austin had his arms crossed over his chest as he watched. He was considered the observer and yet he was the English teacher. He replied, "It's not that Chris. If anything she embraces that part. I think the stress is the fact that she ranks higher than you or me."

"But Angie probably knows more."

"Girl talk rules. Besides you know Angie doesn't care if you're like us or Akira. She respects titles up to a certain point," Austin replied shrugging his shoulders. He gave Christian a pat on the shoulder, "Don't worry about it. Akira still has a thing for you. You just don't see what the problem is." He grinned as he walked to follow Akira.

"What problem?" Christian asked the question with a frown.

"Not gonna tell you," Austin called back in a sing song voice. He grinned as he heard Christian growl slightly as he followed.

It had been many years and not much had changed except things like plumbing but home was still sweet home. The major difference was that there was much more people around. It reminded him of the parties that mother used to throw for the neighbors and for special occasions.

Thomas knew he was dead and had seen the passage of time. Still he stayed on at the Wilkerson House because it was home. He was tied to it. It wasn't boring though. He got to have a little fun every now and then until the last of his family sold the property. At first he was mad but he soon tempered his anger and went to have fun with the people that passed through.

They were childish pranks and they were fun. The people didn't seem to mind and Old Henry let him have the run of the grounds. The younger one thought it was a joke but he sure showed him when they had their talk.

The new owners wanted to change things. They didn't want him to have any fun. Well the old biddy that told the old man and then the younger one to open the playroom. That was his place. Those were his things and he didn't like strange people touching his things. He didn't like them touching his horse either.

Even though he had been eighteen when he died, the playroom was where he felt safe and where he was free to pursue the interests that were considered whimsical. The toys provided inspiration for the writings that were hidden in the playroom. The replica of his horse served as a reminder of his foolishness.

Thomas was glad that he was a ghost and could remain invisible to the naked eye. He watched as the trio walked about the grounds. He followed them for once ignoring the others to play with. They were here for a reason. One of them mentioned a birthday party for a friend but they acted like his older brother did who was a detective. They were looking for something and after a while he figured out that they were hunters. It was safer to stay invisible.

Then the girl found something. It was the old protection bracelet that he thought that he lost. His losing it had been the cause of his death while riding Bordeaux. Strange how she could find it and she seemed fascinated by it and was pointing out things about it. It was real. He had it made when he went to New Orleans a couple of months before he died.

Studying these three, he heard a name. The name was Winchester. He was puzzled. It was an odd name for a person. All he knew was that they were here for a birthday but they were suspicious about the whole thing. Maybe he could have some fun with the hunters and their friends. It certainly would be better than to try to scare a bunch of moms.

Thomas followed the trio back into the house. He paused only a moment when he saw something. No. It couldn't be. He saw it leave after he died because he paid his debt. He had been told he couldn't cheat death and he had to pay the price. No.

It saw him. It looked at him and gave that smile he knew too well. That thing had gone after his family after he died. The only way he could protect his family was to stay on and fight it. It had gone when he showed himself and had stayed away over the years. Now it was back and Thomas felt powerless to stop it. Years at the house had strengthened his ghost abilities but he didn't have the means to keep the thing away.

Thomas knew that he had to warn the people there. Maybe he could find a way to tell the hunters about it. It was a lot to hold onto since lately he seemed to feel a little crazy. Maybe these Winchesters could do something. Either way, the thing needed to be put down once and for all. Then maybe, finally he could have his rest.

Thomas went towards the house. He knew that as long as no one touched the replica of Bordeaux, the thing wouldn't be able to get in. Once it was touched, then it would be all out war. He had told this to Old Henry and the old man tried to tell the owners but they wouldn't listen. He had used pranks to get them to believe in ghosts but they still didn't listen. It now became crucial to make sure that Bordeaux stayed safely locked in the closet. That was why he trusted the new caretaker of the house.

Maggie Clawson was a businesswoman. She knew how to turn a floundering business into a gold mine. She and her husband had a series of businesses that they had revived. The Wilkerson House was her latest conquest and she aimed to bring a better class of clientele. Or rather she wanted to improved things. The regulars paid well and they claimed to like the legend of the house being haunted by a ghost.

Maggie thought the whole thing was a load of crap. There was no such thing as ghosts. Plus there were rooms that could be put into use like that playroom. Old Henry kept fighting with her on that saying that the ghost didn't like his things being touched. It was a stroke of luck that the old man broke his hip. The assistant caretaker proved to be better cooperation though lately he seemed to be fighting her on the use of the room too. At least they were going to have a good week and if this went well. The Wilkerson House would bring in the tourists the town needed.

The party that had been booked on the same day as this mother's get together was big. Even though the guest list was small, the gentleman who booked spared no expense. Granted that the guests that had arrived earlier were hardly what she expected, she was willing to go with it. She found it strange that they were acting as if they were expecting to pop out of the corner and scare them. It was strange.

At least the trio that arrived showed some promise. They had some sort of sophisticated air about them. It was like they were aristocratic but they were keeping a low profile with it. In fact the matching coats made them seem like feds. Still they had manners and they expressed interest in the history of the house. Well the girl did. The black one did too while her companion just stood there like a rock. Even that girl had a regal bearing about her.

So that Maggie to conclude that the guests knew how to act, they were just a little quirky about it. She figured they were city types and it was typical of them. She had yet to check in the guests of honor. She had the staff clean out that bungalow from top to bottom and followed the instructions of the one who booked it. The requests were unusual but he was the one writing the check so she was going to do her best. If there was one thing Maggie learned about reaping in the gold, it was sometimes you had to indulge the ones with the money because they were the ones that would eventually bring in the business through the recommendations. That was the big thing with businesses that strived for the repeat customer.

A knock sounded at her office door. She put down the papers she had been looking at and said, "Come in. Hurry up." She picked up the paper and continued to look at it. It was a copy of the comments from the last event.

Darrell came in feeling stiff in the uniform he was required to wear. He had to wear it every time the season began but Maggie Clawson made some changes and the comfortableness it had was rather gone. All part of that new look she wanted. He came in and stood in front of her desk. He said, "Ms. Clawson I have everything set up for the playroom."

"Good. The moms are getting anxious."

"I still think that at least one of the younger staff should supervise since those are vintage toys and…"

"Are you going to bring up the ghost again?" Maggie looked up at Darrell.

"Just concerned about the House property," Darrell replied. He knew it was no use trying to bring up the ghost again. She was just going to blow him off because she didn't believe in ghosts. At least the closet was secure. "Some of the kids are older and sometimes they don't have respect for other people's property."

Maggie looked at Darrell with a slight look of suspicion. He objected to using the playroom but he did as he was told. That was one thing she liked about him. He put up a fuss but he got the job done. True the stupid jokes hadn't stopped and it only seemed to delight the clients more but she had to put a stop to it. So she had Darrell track whoever it was and fire their ass. She asked, "And what do you care about some old toys?"

"The kids from the last event liked them." Darrell shrugged his shoulders at that. He was hoping that Maggie would give Mrs. Graham a break. She was too old to handle the older ones that he had seen waiting with their moms. Some looked a little sullen and could start trouble. "Maybe two of the younger staff?"

Maggie thought about it some. The old lady was a little slow with things and they were expecting a few kids today. Maybe she should have two instead of the one. "Who's on shift for today?"

"Everyone. You wanted us to make sure everything was ready for the main hall room and that party."

Maggie checked the schedule. Darrell was right. They weren't going to suffer if she traded the one for the two. "Go ahead and make the switch."

"Anyone you have in mind?" Darrell had to ask. Maggie was the boss after all. Besides it had to look like she was the one calling the shots.

"You do it Darrell. Just make sure it gets done. You're dismissed."

Darrell looked at Maggie as she went to studying whatever she was doing. He said nothing more as he turned to leave the office. At least he could have some measure of control over the playroom. Mrs. Graham was too old to be chasing after kids. She should be reading to them. He left and headed to find two of the staff.

"So this is a nice place."

Angela didn't say anything as she stared at what passed for the living room of the bungalow that they had been shown. It was a nice place and reminded her of an old voodoo priestess' home out in a swamp closer towards New Orleans. That was a time to remember since she was recovering from injuries at the time. It was comfortable. "It is."

Dean watched as Angela started forward and inspected the bungalow. At least it was the first sign of interest besides the strange purchase of a rare orchid from a nursery. He thought it strange that she wanted that orchid in the first place and wondered what she was going to do with it. Right now she was inspecting the place and taking it in. He glanced at Sam who had been left holding the orchid and grinned.

Dean had gotten what he needed and found Sam wandering the streets with his hands in his pocket. He quizzed his brother on what he did and when Sam didn't respond, he called him a pansy. That led to their usual brotherly bickering until Sam nearly shouted at him that he found something but was having buyer's remorse.

Dean was nice enough to let Sam be. He knew that Sam found something but he wasn't sure if it was the right thing to get her. Sam liked to think things through and sometimes a little too much. Dean was sure that whatever Sam got was fine. His was something too practical though he was sure that it would please her. Picking her up was a whole new level of what the hell.

It was a strange sight to see her standing on the street with a potted plant and she was peering at it like she would a supernatural object; full of interest. Dean said nothing but Sam asked her why she had it and all she said was, "It was pretty."

Both brothers said nothing about it further but Dean had to admit that he was a bit worried. This was like she was turning into one of those crazy people and he wondered if seeing that crazy Chaser jump started that with her. Dean though played it off and asked if she planned to use the plant in one of her lessons as the sorcerer. She responded slightly teasing and looked out the window and commented that Heber Springs was a nice town.

Check in was a little strange since Dean was expecting to get rooms within the main house. He wondered if Haley was being generous or something by getting them this bungalow. He knew that Haley had some funds but she was trying the hunting thing and that usually meant hustling and cheap motels. Then again she may have pulled in a few favors. Watching Angela look about the place, Dean could see a slight smile form.

Sam finally put the orchid on the table and was watching Angela move about the place. So far she stuck to the kitchen and the living room. She was inspecting the rooms like she would on a case but it was like she was stuck in a memory or something. She was giving a slight smile as if she were remembering something. She gave the same sort of smile that she had when she was looking at the orchid while waiting for them. "Dean."

"It's okay Sam. Just…" Dean said in a whisper. He motioned with his hand. He was sure that Angela could hear them. She did have the ears of a bat and sometimes she could surprise them at times.

At that time Angela had picked up something and was inspecting it. She gave a soft little hum. "Huh, interesting."

"You find something?" Dean asked the question before Sam could.

Angela held the carved stick in her hands and continued to look at it. "Just a juju stick. Voodoo origins. Nothing bad… just interesting."

Dean made a face in some sort of approval, "Okay so is there a problem with it being here?"

"Nope. It's more of a protection thing. I haven't seen anything like it… well not in a long time," Angela replied as she continued to look at the stick before putting it down. "In fact this set up is like a place I stayed in some time in the nineties. Same type of furniture, the arrangement and the juju stick… only thing was it was in a swamp." Angela made a slight face as if she were confused but then she gave a slight smile.

Both boys realized that she was going through a memory. Sam noticed though that it was a pleasant memory. He watched as she walked over and picked up the orchid and headed towards the rooms. He raised his brows in surprise and looked at Dean and said, "Okay. What now?"

"Bring in the gear," Dean replied after a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"Dean."

"What do you want me to say, Sam? This is new territory for the both of us with what I dug up."

Sam gave a sigh, "Dean, she's shutting us out from the real thing that is bothering her."

"What are you a shrink now?"

"Dean, she's like you when you want to avoid something," Sam pointed out. "Sometimes she reverts to a memory when something is on her mind."

"And you know this how?"

Sam gave a slight sheepish look along with a shoulder shrug. He glanced in the direction of the rooms before looking back at Dean. He then replied, "I noticed when she patched me up at the tournament. My shoulder. I'm sure you noticed."

Dean thought about it for a moment as he led the way out of the bungalow to where he parked the Impala. The nice thing was he was allowed to park his baby nice and close. He opened the trunk to pull out the bags. The more he thought about it, he could see Sam's point. He really didn't like to admit when his baby brother was right but in this case… "I did. Just wanted to make sure you did."

"Sure Dean," Sam replied as he grabbed Angela's cushion bag from the backseat. He had no idea how she packed things so it was a safe bet to bring in everything that was hers, even her stash of weapons.

"Fine. You got me on that one," Dean replied as he hefted his and Sam's stuff. "She may be hiding her thoughts on whatever is bugging her but you know as well as I that thing she gave a headhunting had to have done a number on her." He took off down the hall towards the rooms and found the one with the two beds in it.

Sam followed thinking about what Dean said. Well the way how Angela did kill that tripped out Chaser was similar to how he killed Gordon. He was sure though that there was more to her behavior and the two were related. He was lost in thought that he ran into someone.

"Whoa there. Do you need headlights?"

Sam apologized thinking that it was Dean but looking at who it was, he saw that it was Angela. He replied, "No, just bringing in your stuff."

Angela gave a smile. "Thank you. I was on my way out there to grab it." She gave him a slight pat on the shoulder. "You are sweet." She took her bags from his grasp and turned to walk back to the room she had claimed as her own, passing Dean and giving a polite hello.

Sam was sure that his jaw was down to the floor. He looked at his brother who had come out. Maybe Dean was onto something when he showed him that page. Was she really going to go crazy on them? He looked at his brother and hoped to God that it wasn't true for her.

A/N: Looks like Angie may be a little off base and Sam and Dean aren't sure of what to make of it. More times ahead on 'Trick'steen Candles...