Summary: AU: Stanford Era: "Dean … Sammy's in trouble." A late night phone call sends Dean Winchester and long-time friend, Caelan Hagan in a desperate search to find Sam before the unthinkable happens; uncovering lies and secrets involving the youngest Winchester, that have been years in the making.
Warnings: Violence, swearing, physical abuse, torture, implied adult themes.
Disclaimer: I don't own the supernatural characters.
Author's Note: Just another possibility on why Sam left for Stanford. Hope you enjoy. I have no knowledge or training in medical areas. I have tried to keep everything as realistic as possible, but, as medical knowledge is not my area of expertise, just beware that there may be some mistakes in the next few chapters.
Special Note: Thanks to Mimmi85 for your kind words. Here's another chapter just for all you guys who have taken the time out to read this story and to all the people who have this story on their alerts or have put it on their favourite lists. Thanks. It means a lot. Only a couple more chapters to go and this will be finished. This was supposed to be the last chapter, but me and endings … don't do so well, and I don't want to rush it. So, hopefully two more chapters at the most … although, I can't promise anything!
DEMON SPAWN: THE PHONE CALL
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
John Winchester huffed in frustration, irritation creeping over him at an alarming rate. Both of his boys were in trouble and here John was, stuck in this God forsaken hospital, arguing with a doctor who looked about twelve-years old about getting him released from hospital now, and not in the next hundred years!
The twelve-year old doctor insisted that John needed to at least stay overnight for observation least there were any complications or infections, telling John that he couldn't in good conscience allow his patient to leave straight after having major surgery, suffering from an extreme case of blood loss.
John had been furious at this doctor's obstinate behaviour, trying to explain to this young up-start that it was a matter of life and death; his sons were in trouble and he needed to get to them ASAP. He'd even promised the doctor that he would check into a hospital to get a once over once he knew that his boys were safe.
But the doctor had denied John's request for immediate departure, telling John that he would be back to check on him in the morning and they would assess his condition then to see if John would be able to be released.
"Damn it!" John swore, his frustration steadily increasing toward anger now. "Bobby, you have to help me get out of here," John appealed to the other Hunter. "My boys are in danger … I need to be there!" he almost pleaded, desperately. "Please Bobby, I promised Caelan that I would be there. Help me,"
Bobby Singer studied John closely, taking into account how pale and exhausted John looked. Hell, Bobby wasn't even sure if John had come off of the pain meds sufficiently for him to have decided to have made such a drastic decision as to bring him into this whole mess.
Bobby could understand the doctor's concern at allowing John to leave of his own free will; the man looked like death warmed up! But Bobby also understood how much those boys meant to John. And there would be nothing on Earth to stop him from getting to them.
John would stubbornly push his own injuries to the side, behaving in sometimes a reckless manner if his boys were in trouble … Hmm, guess that's where Dean got his self-sacrificing nature from. Because Bobby also knew that there wasn't anything Dean wouldn't do for his family.
"Damn it Johnny," Bobby twisted his cap within his hands, pinching his bottom lip in between his teeth, gnawing about it as he glanced over his shoulder before he stepped closer toward John, his decision bordering fifty/fifty.
"You know, if we had more time up our sleeves, I'd be testing you for the whole lot right about now. You must have rocks in your head to voluntary get him involved again. Don't you remember what happened the last time he helped you?"
"I remember," John conceded softly, a slight edge to his voice. "But I didn't have much of a choice Bobby. Those bastards have taken Sammy again and I can't …" John's expression twisted in agony and Bobby couldn't help the sympathetic feelings swelling up within him.
Bobby loved those boys as if they were his own. Of course he didn't want anyone to have the youngest Winchester. And after what John had revealed to him about who they might be up against and who this organisation consisted of, Bobby liked the idea of them having the boy even less.
But … John had been hurt bad … really bad, and he wasn't at the top of his game. If they had to get into it with other Hunters, Bobby wasn't too convinced of how well John would be able to defend himself against an attack. John was one of the best Hunters that Bobby had ever seen, but even the great John Winchester had limits. He was only human after all. And if John pushed himself too far … Bobby wasn't entirely sure if John would make it.
John, as if he could sense his friend's wavering decision, allowed his tough mask to disintegrate, replaced by the worried, concerned look that only a father could portray when frightened for their children's safety and well-being. "Please Bobby … I need to get to my boys."
Seeing the seasoned, hardened Hunter being so vulnerable and open with Bobby; displaying the fierce love and determination that he had for his boys, made Bobby's decision in a heartbeat.
Balls! Of course John would give him that look! The look that was reminiscent of his younger son's pleading, puppy-eyed look.
With a heavy sigh of resignation, Bobby replaced the cap to his head, all business-like and serious in a matter of seconds. "Okay Johnny, I'll help you. What do you need from me?"
John smiled in gratitude before his Hunter's mask descended once more as the two Hunters sat down to business, planning the details of how they were going to spring John's escape from this hospital.
JW CH JW CH JW CH JW CH JW CH JW CH JW
Caelan Hagen shared an incredulous look with Caleb at that revelation. Of course the fucking organisation would have to basically have owned this hospital. They couldn't have gone to any regular, normal hospital. No, it had to be a hospital that the organisation had their slimy hooks in!
Damn, they had the worst luck in history!
Caelan could have blamed Elizabeth for this whole damn mess. Why the hell hadn't she mentioned that almost everyone on the hospital's payroll was involved with this organisation? But, at that time, Caelan hadn't been aware of who they were up against and how far they were willing to go in order to obtain the youngest Winchester once more.
No. It wasn't Lizzie's fault. As much as Caelan wanted to lay the blame at her feet, he couldn't do it. The two of them had made the best decision with the information that they'd had at the time. It wasn't anyone's fault except this damn organisation's!
Wait a minute … if most of the hospital staff was affiliated with the organisation, did that mean that Lizzie …?
Caelan's eyes narrowed as he spun around to pin Elizabeth with a cautious, suspicious gaze. "Lizzie, tell me you're not a part of this," Caelan said, his voice low, distraught and hard at the same time.
"What?" Elizabeth's eyes widened slightly in fear; before she registered what Caelan was asking her. "You think I had something to do with this?" she asked indignantly.
"Did you?" Caelan countered evenly, unmoved by her display of innocence. He knew how important it was not to underestimate an opponent … especially someone he once knew and loved.
Elizabeth opened her mouth to retort at Caelan's comments or to defend her innocence more before she slammed her mouth closed, tight lines of anger around her mouth, her blue eyes narrowing darkly. "I will never be a part of that … corrupt organisation. Really Caelan, I though you knew me better than that!"
Caelan shrugged, unconcerned by Elizabeth's obvious anger at Caelan's suggestion. But at this stage, he wasn't entirely sure who he could or couldn't trust. For all he knew, Elizabeth could be working as an undercover spy for the organisation.
"It's been years since we've seen each other Lizzie; I wouldn't have a clue where your loyalties lie now. Besides, your father and younger brother seem to have no problem in being a part of this … corrupt organisation. Since you're employed here, surrounded by organisation members, it stands to reason that maybe your loyalty lies with them."
"You son of a bitch!" Elizabeth hissed, forcefully pushing Caelan away from her in a fit of sudden rage. "How dare you! I didn't get this job because of my Daddy's connections. I earned this. With lots of sleepless nights and hard work. My father fucking disowned me because as the oldest I wasn't following in "the family business".
And now you want to accuse me of not being smart enough to become a doctor? Of planning it so that the organisation could come in here, shoot Dean and snatch Sam Winchester? Fuck you Caelan Hagen!" Elizabeth snarled, her voice not rising despite how angry she appeared to be, before she spun around, intending to storm off down the corridor before Caelan wrapped an arm around her waist to prevent her from leaving.
Caelan pulled Elizabeth against him, her back hard against his chest. "I'm sorry Lizzie," he murmured in her ear. "But I had to be sure. Dean and Sam are my brothers and …"
Elizabeth relaxed slightly within Caelan's embrace. "It's okay Caelan, I understand," she replied softly, instant forgiveness in her voice. "I would have done the exact same thing in your position."
Caelan gently nuzzled Elizabeth's neck with his nose in gratitude, hearing her sharp gasp as she melted further into his embrace. Caelan couldn't help but grin in satisfaction, knowing that if he wanted to … he would be able to seduce this woman into his bed without even trying!
But letting her go the first time had been hard enough. Caelan wasn't too eager to repeat that experience again in a hurry, even if his heart lurched painfully in his chest at the familiar feeling of this woman in his arms; the smell of her hair, the …
"Sorry to interrupt guys," Caleb cleared his throat, blushing slightly at being witness to this semi-intimate moment between the old lovers. "But I'm really anxious to pound someone's head in. Didn't you mention that there had been a "witness" that had been left behind?" Caleb looked at Caelan pointedly.
Caelan grinned, instantly cheering up at that thought. Maybe all was not as hopeless as it seemed. Maybe they could figure out Sammy's location from this "witness". "Why yes, I do believe I did Caleb. I think it's about time that we … question the witness to see what he has to say about all of this."
CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH
Sam's heart leapt with hope at those words, now listening eagerly to the loud argument outside. Maybe he would get out of this alive after all.
"Fuck that!" The guy named Own snarled, his voice similar to the driver of the van. "I'm not scared of that half-breed prick! The Man assured me … us … that we could get vengeance for our parents' deaths, because breaking the mind of the Demon Spawn would destroy the Winchester family forever. We deserve this Colin. After everything we've lost …"
"I know Owen," Colin said sadly, his tone softening slightly. "I also know that Mum and Dad wouldn't have died if it wasn't for me. If I hadn't gotten sick … and needed fresh meat, our parents wouldn't have been caught by those Hunters … Winchester and Hagen.
Don't think I don't know how much this means to you Owen. I want nothing more than to avenge our parents' deaths. But … we can't go against … them. Especially him … or as you like to call him that "half-breed prick". The Man can't protect us from him Owen."
Sam heard a fist slam into the side of a van, leaving a very visible dent mark within the van, making Sam jump at the sudden destructive noise, confused and bewildered by these two … men's? … conversation.
If Hunters had killed their parents … then just what the hell were they? And Colin had mentioned the names Winchester and Hagen … was he talking about his Dad? Caelan's Dad? And what the hell could be so powerful that non-humans – like Owen and Colin appeared to be – were afraid of involving his wrath.
"Bullshit!" Owen spat out viciously. "This is meant to be our day Colin! And now that half-breed prick is going to ruin it for us?! No! I will not allow that to happen. I don't care what our "orders" are … we finish what we started little bro. Do you understand Colin? For Mum and Dad … for you … for us, this ends today! Are you with me brother? Let's end this."
"Okay Owen," Nervous Nellie, aka Colin replied with sudden conviction. "I'm with you. Let's do this."
"Really boys? You're going to disobey a direct order from me?"
Sam tensed at the unfamiliar, yet somehow comforting and soothing voice as the two non-humans gasped in surprise and fear.
Before Sam had a chance to blink, the scuffle between the non-humans and their big bad boss, was over. The van door opened, the sudden sunlight making Sam's eyes water and blink rapidly as he desperately tried to see what was going on. Was this … thing here to save him or kill him?
"Hello Sam Winchester," a soft, calming, almost musical voice called to him.
Sam squinted, dumbfounded by the gentle smile that graced this man's lips. This guy didn't look threatening at all. His deep blue eyes crinkled with kindness and sympathy and Sam had the strangest feeling that he had meet this man before.
"Wha-who are you?" Sam gasped, not sure if he should be tensing, ready for a fight or if this strange, yet familiar man was here to rescue him.
"My name is Nirkish, Sam Winchester. Don't worry little one, you have nothing to fear from me. I promise. Your Dad sent me. I'm here to take you back to your family." He said calmly.
"Bu-but –"
"Be at peace Sam Winchester, you are safe now." Nirkish assured the young man before he placed his fingertips upon Sam's temple and willed the boy to sleep.
SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW CH SW
Caelan turned to look at Elizabeth, grinning at her impishly. "You think that maybe you can sneak us in to see this "witness" Lizzie?"
For just a moment, Caelan could have sworn that he saw a hateful, disgusted, hard look within her eyes, but then it was gone and Elizabeth's more patented, concerned, worried look broached her features.
"After everything's that's happened here today … I guess I could try, right?" Elizabeth shrugged.
Caelan frowned, the tone within Elizabeth's voice not matching the woman's softer features. Something was going on here. Caelan was sure that he was missing a big piece of the puzzle. He just couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
"Don't worry Caelan, I've got this," she assured him, her smile bright and easy. "What's the point of being related to the Stewart family and not exploiting all of the privileges that come with the name if not to help out your friends? After all, you'd treat my brother with the same respect that you've treated your surrogate brothers … right Caelan?"
Caelan's frown deepened at Elizabeth's cryptic words. "Of course, I would Lizzie … as long as he didn't participate in torturing one of my brothers." Caelan couldn't help but retort because Elizabeth's comments had felt like an accusing jab … a verbal attack, even though she couldn't know what was going on, could she?
Caelan detected a darkness enter Elizabeth's eyes, confusing Caelan even more when a spilt second later her blue eyes were clear, only a slight twitch of her mouth to indicate her indignation.
"Well, I guess it's lucky that my brother isn't in the torture business then, isn't it?" she laughed, but it sounded forced to Caelan and he was starting to get a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Before Caelan could question Elizabeth further about her strange behaviour, Elizabeth was rattling off the room number of where this so-called "witness" was being treated for a nasty concussion that he had received before telling Caelan that she was going to check on Dean's prognosis before she pivoted on her heels and marched down the hall in the opposite direction.
Caelan watched Elizabeth leave, an uneasy feeling settling within him. "Hawkes … I have a bad feeling about this man," he murmured worriedly.
"Don't worry Hags," Caleb told him after a few minutes of contemplation, clapping Caelan on the shoulder reassuringly. "Don't know what crawled up that woman's pants and died, but you, my friend, have always been far too good for the likes of a Stewart."
Caleb grinned at his friend's shocked look. "But if that bitch is playing with you again … I swear Caelan, I will not hold back on telling her exactly how I feel. And this time … no matter what you say … she will regret the day that she messed with my friend." Caleb vowed, his light brown eyes hardening slightly before he squeezed Caelan's shoulder in silent support. "Come on Hags; let's go talk to this "witness", shall we?"
Caelan was shocked for a few minutes at his friend's strong and sudden declaration before he blinked and smirked back at Caleb in agreement, his head once more back in the game. Time to talk to this asshole of a witness; find out where the hell they had taken the youngest Winchester and who the hell had shot Dean.
CH DW CH DW CH DW CH DW CH DW CH DW CH
Slowly Dean Winchester returned to the land of the living, feeling completely sluggish, his eyes barely popped open before he squinted them closed again because of the harshness of the overhead lights.
His tongue felt dry, heavy, fill of cotton wool and he would have had no qualms about killing someone for a glass of water right about now as he experimentally performed a self-examination of himself.
He could move all of his limbs, nothing broken, thank God. Nothing seemed out of place, no aches or pain anywhere, so that was something to be thankful for; except for a heavy sensation in his mid-section which became more uncomfortable if he tried to move or sit up.
Just what the fuck had happened to him? And where the hell was he now? The last thing he could remember was sitting diligently by his brother's hospital bed and then …
Fuck!
Dean could recall a burning, painful sensation before he'd found himself crumbled on the ground and someone … had been standing over Sam, getting ready to administer something into his IV line, except … it wasn't a nurse or doctor that Dean had been familiar with.
Shit! Sammy!
Dean's eyes flew open, his jumbled thoughts clearing in a heartbeat as he gazed around him in a frantic attempt to locate his brother.
"S'mmy …" Dean slurred, his dry lounge sticking to the roof of his mouth as he ordered his body to get up and move. Sam was in trouble and Dean … he had to find Sam; protect him. "Sam-eee … where … are … you?"
Panic began to consume Dean when his eyes failed to lock upon his brother's familiar face, and his feeble attempts at words brought no response from his younger brother at all.
Fuck, what the hell had happened to his brother?
TBC