Disclaimer- I do not own supernatural [Shelby is my o.g charater tho] contains spoilers starting form season 7. All names of persons are coincidental and are not based on real people
Chapter 1- Tricks of the trade
The Impala door slamed shut after creaking open as Sam tried unsuccessfuly to slide out and unfold the bulk of his stature out of the back seat. Dean stood leaning on his door and watched half amused at the lengths his brother would go to sit next to his new pet on long car rides. Other then the hair it could be far worse, at lest she doesn't get car sick and thats all he could ask for. It had been nearly a week or so since they found her and she and Sam seemed to be getting along swimmingly.
"Ok girl come on," Same called to her as he slaped one of his knees. Dean booked a motel room ahead and was going to go pick up the key. It was late and no one would notice anyone sneaking an animal in at this time of night. Sam headed towards the door with his pack slung over his shoulder and his duffle bag in hand. Shelby padded eagerly beside him looking up at him every now and then to check in with him. She was very watchful and attentive, and would sometimes get in a playful streak.
Dean returned with the key and let them in after nearly being knocked down with his legs taken out from under him; Shelby waited for no one. She bounded onto the first bed with a shake of the frame and spun around sniffing the perimeter. Once everything checked out she spun once, twice, and ploped her little ass down on the light grey and sliver comforter. Dean after getting his bearings looked at her side ways as he placed his belongings on the floor and questioned her sarcastically " are you comfy?" She huffed her approval. Sam luaghed to himself; he loved this new back and forth those two had in their love hate relationship.
"So what do we have on the new case?", Dean asked as he filled the minnie fridge with beer. Sam sat down next to Shelby and recaped his research, " well to start we're in Donner and a lot of pepole have been going missing," he raised his brows to his brother waiting for him to put to and two together. "How is this an us thing then? ," Dean asked between mouthfuls of burger he had gotten from a burger shack down the road. "Becuse we are and Donner and people have been going missing, " reapated Sam waiting for Deans gears to turn.
After a while Sam sighed a disappointed sigh of defeat, "dose the Donner party ring a bell Dean?" he asked as he rubed Shelby's belly who was now sprawled on his lap begging for attention. Dean rattled his brain for details from school, but came up empty. Sam fought to get Shelby off him before he went digging in his pack for his lab top. After a quick web search Dean was up to speed and spitting out his burger . Wiping his face Dean composed himself and asked," so we're dealing with a windogo?"
Shelby's sat up and tilted her head at this in Deans direction. The boys both looked at her oddly. They had yet to test if she was a monster, then again some dogs like the sounds of different things. Dean raised a brow and looked at Sam, who took a tentative breath and gulped before looking down at where Shelby now sat on the floor. "Windogo," Sam said at her and watched as she tilted her head again. He tested it a few more times. Now getting excited barks and tail wags from her. " ok, ok, shush,shush. ," Dean whispered as he walked over and stood by Sam and Shelby.
Sam smiled as he gave her a good itch behind the ear and a deep temple message after she nuzzled her way back into his arms that had sat idle on his knees. "So we now have a hunting dog?," Dean joked as he watched Shelby go limp under Sams working fingers. The husky was now fully leaned into Sam's ;body as he rubed her brows and behind the ears. "So were should we start looking? I mean the whole town is named after what happened," Dean said as he stooped down to get Shelby's water dish out of the bag. "Maybe we should hit up the local museum tomorrow and learn a bit more about the town history," Sam said in between the cute faces he was making at the dog whose chin rested in his hands.
"Uhh huh," Dean answered half listening as he sat the dish on the bathroom counter In front of the sink and turned on the tap. Sam said something about frank and a paper that had to do with the dog. Dean kept the tap running as he blocked the view with his body. He pulled out his flask of holy water from his jacket and filled the dish. Turning off the water he then returned from the bathroom and sat the dish down by the wall. "Her yah go girl. Yah thristy?,"Dean asked Shelby as she broke lose from Sam's arms tail high and wagging she sniffed the water and started lapping it up.
Sam was unpacking while Dean watched Shelby with his hand hidden from view by his knife. A strange noise was come from the water dish. There were bubbles coming to the surface of the water. " Um...Sam?," Dean sounded worried as he steped back from the dog. Sam turned to look at Shelby who popped her head up with her muzzle dripping water just in time to see her dive it back down into the dish. "Awww thats cute," Sam said cheerfully, but quickly explained after a a flance at his brother that sometimes dogs blow bubbles. Eyes wide Dean looked stuned," they can do that?.," he asked bewildered. Sam nodded as he finshed setting up and took of his shoes off. "Its getting late," Sam said as he layed back and snuggled his frame into the bed. Patting the bed next to him Shelby hoped up next to Sam and tucked herself into the nook of his arm.
Dean took a shower and soon layed down for bed. He was still trying to get over the fact that this dog had such a hold on thier life. Normally he hated dogs, but this one was different. Shelby didn't shed much, she never stunk the way dogs should, and she was never too vocal. The holy water didn't show anything but there was always other tests. Sivler was the next test he would try; that one wouldn't be to hard to do. Dean took a deep breath after turning off the lights and then slowly let it out. Tomorrow was another day, so let todays problems be tomorrow's answers. Dean turned over in bed only to find Shelby had snuck out Sams bed and was sitting next to his staring at him. She gave a faint "rarf," with tail raised high and wagging slightly she nuzzled his arm to the point of making him left it; Shelby then jumped up in bed under Deans arm and they went to sleep. Dean dreaming of a drak haired tan woman.
"You little trader," Sam teased Shelby after they had woken up and was getting ready to go to a dinner for breakfast. "Well have to leave her here until we get back with the vest and leash. Frank emailed me the paper work," Sam explained as they were packing up to go to a local pet store. Shelby wagged her tail and tried to follow but after a rushed apology from Sam the door was shut in her face. She huffed and pressed her nose to the window only to have Dean shoo her away. "Lets make this quick," said at last getting her away from the window," the longer we take the more time she has to get into stuff."
The pair walked off to the dinner across the street and order the breakfast special which came with scrambled eggs loaded hash browns a choice of turkey bacon or vegan bacon and the choices of toast with jam or with avocado. Sam of choice chose the vegan bacon with avocado toast. "Turkey bacon?," Dean said looking at his strip of bacon he had in his hand. He gave it a questioning sniff and licked it. It seemed ok by the surprising approval on Deans face and he took a bite. It wasn't as good as bacon bacon ,but he was hungry and beggers can't be chosers. "It's never too early to start taking care of your health Dean," Sam told his brother," or have you already forgotten your run in with that poker game?" Dean gummbled over his breakfast about that and something about a hunters life would kill him quicker.
After there meal they went back to the motel to pick up Shelby and to see what destruction she might have caused. Surprisingly everything was in order and nothing was damaged. Oddly tho Dean noticed the bathroom mirrors were steamed up and the shower was wet. Sam collected Shelby and Dean grabed his flask and they headed out towards to pet store down the block. The best part about this town was everything was with in walking distance. " Will she be ok to take to the woods with us?" Dean asked as they neared the store."I don't see why not, she comezs when called pretty well and they do say dogs and cats can see things we humans can't, so it might be helpful to have her," Sam explained opening the door with a ding as he pushed it open.
They strolled down the aisle past the large beef leg bones and the flavored chew toys to were the large dog vests were. Shelby pranced her happy way over and sat down when they got to the desired spot, Surprisingly she ignored the treats altogether. Dean held the leash as Sam tried on the different sizes and made adjustments. Finally they found a nice pastle purple vest with small black bats on it. The vest was on sell with it being out of season. While they where there they picked up a few needed things such as, flea and tick protection, a few mint chews, some paw butter, and a poop bag dispenser that was in the shape of a bone that clips onto the leash.
They made their way out of the store with another ding, as they pushed it open. Kneeling down Sam unziped the clear pouch on the vest and put his new service dog papers in clear sight. Frank had also sent them two velcro patches that said, " SERVICE DOG WORKING-PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH!" The patches were placed on ither side of her. "She looks nice," Dean complimented as Sam stood back up and took the leash back from him. " So whats it for?," Dean asked cracking a smile looking to his brother. Sam sighed, he knew this was coming. " I' ll have you know it's illegal to ask that, but if you most know," Sam said clearing his throat, " the service papers said PTSD and schizophrenia." " Sounds about right," Dean luaghed to himself as they walked to the car. Next stop the museum.
Apon leaving the car at arrival Dean pocketed his flask and waited for his brother and his furry companion to exit the car. The price of admission wasn't very high and there was litle trouble in regards to Sam's service dog. The exhibits were family friendly, but that is not what they what they were here for. They walked up to the desk and asked if they could talk with one of the historians. Apon investigation they found the location and the likly suspect who was the windogo. Their next trip was to the National park. "Man ,"Dean said as they drove," thats some pretty messed up stuff. Especially that one german guy." Sam nodded in agreement and said, "but I guess you never know what a person is capable of doing until their hard pressed. "
When pulling into the parking lot, Shelby's tail began to wag and she eagerly pawed at the dog. "Whats gotten into her?," Deanvasked jokingly as he looked at Shelby from the rearview. The doors creaked as they opened and shut as the two got out. Dean opened one of the back doors to get some get,only for Shelby to slip out past him."shit, sorry Sammy, "Dean muttered, and quickly yelled,"get back here you little bitch!" Shelby ran off to a tree and squatted to pee, and gave a dirty look to Dean as they arrived. Sam had her leash in had and quickly clicked it to her mesh vest as she was preoccupied." I guess she relly had to go," Sam concluded as he tried to look anywhere put her."It was a bit of a drive," Dean agreed as he too avoided looking at the dog peeing or else he would receive yet another dirty glare from the husky.
Once done, they began walking the trails with Shelby at the lead. Dean had grabed a few spray cans and his trusty lighter while Sam had grabed some salt and a tank of gas. Walking the trails for a bit, it seemed kinda empty with few people out. Everything was going quiet smooth...too smooth. "Maybe we should wait til dark?," Dean said after a mile or so. "Or maybe we're not deep enough into the woods," Sam chimed in as Shelby tugged them off trail to a deer path. Following the dog a short ways through thick under brush the dry twigs under foot snaped with every step. " there is no way we would even hear anything over this. We are like sitting ducks." Dean announced with annoyance. "I agree, maybe we should head back and regroup." Sam agreed and tried his best to stir Shelby back where they came.
Shelby had other plans. She was barking and tugging her way forward several yards. Barely giving Sam and Dean time to push aside branches before being smached in the face. After awhile Shelby slowed down to a walk as the two took the hint. "I guess she has something, "Sam said shrugging and keeping time with rhe dog through the dense brush. Dean grunted his displeasment but continued flowing after them. Burrs and brambles snagged at their jeans as they trucked, tho Shelby seemed unfazed as she leaped over bushes and slide under fallen logs. "Remind me to sign her up for a dog show when we get back,"Dean joked as he huffed, picking his way along their path. As they neared a clearing, Dean suddenly stoped and sniffed the air.
The dog halted just at the tree line and refused to go any further. "Whats wrong Shelby?," Sam asked as he knelt down beside her and begain brushing off leaves and twings from her fur and vest. Dean kept walking with his nose in the air, whatever he smelt must be good because he continued to follow his nose to the other edge of the clearing. Leaving behind Sam and Shelby, Dean walked a ways into the woods and came across a small wooden cabin with a wrap around porch. A little old lady sat rocking on a swing by the door. She appeared to be doing some neddle work as Dean walked up the gravel path to her house.
Bright red and orange Poppies grew on ither side of the path and there was a row of untrimed hedges that bordered what seemed to be a yard garden of sorts. Blueberries and elderberry bushs spinkled here and there dotted the yard amongst cherry and apple trees. Dark granite slabs of rock severed as steping stones between the rows of shrubbery. A small herb garden sprouted in a window planted below glass windchimes that gently clanked together. Dean cleared his throat and the plum and rosey cheeked lady turned her smiling eyes from her work to him. " Oh company," She said,"You must be lost, or perhaps you smelled one of my pies cooling in the window." Dean smiled sheepishly, that had been what lead him here.
The little woman reminded him of a ray of sunshine, with her apple like dipples and rounded face. She was rounded altogether like you would imagine a sweet little granny would be. "Come, "she said slowly getting up,"you must be hungry and thirsty too. Come inside and wash up". Dean walked up the steps onto the porch and followed her inside,the creak and slam of the screen door being the last thing Sam heard as he and Shelby neared the property. Once inside, Dean looked around at the blue ribbons and framed newspaper clippings. "Ah, those would be my awards. Best pie in the county according to the judges. I win first place almost every year at our local fair," she nodded with pride as she lead him to the kitchen. "Wash up," she said, tossing him a dish towl. Dean chaught it and looked to the kitchen sink, it had a pump. Dean primed the pump and filled the sink to wash up.
Outside Sam and Shelby took a look around the cabin. All seemed put together, the plants were healthy and well tended to and the compost pile by the out house didn't even smell. It felt like something Gabriel might cook up and that didn't sit well with Sam. "Come Shelby, lets go find Dean," Sam ushered the husky and gave two short tugs on the leash to get her attention away from the compost. Shelby wasn't budging and let out an annoyed chuf. "Come on Shelbs," Sam begged as he got on her level. The dog looked away and put her nose to the dirt and began digging. The dirt started to fly as she burrowed her way into the mond. Sam sputered spitting out dirt and flung his arms up to protect his face as dirt showeder on his head. "Shelby what are you doing?," Sam managed to mutter out between the flakes raining down on him.
"Here we are deary," the woman said plating a slice of blueberry pie and a scoop of hand churned vanilla bean ice-cream. Dean nodded his thanks with a smile. Perhaps the local knew some information about the missing hikers, but who said he couldn't enjoy a slice of pie or two. "I hope you don't mind haveing your dessert first, but I just put supper in the oven.," She confessed beaming as she dusted the flour from her apron and wiped away a smear on her forhead. " I won't tell if you don't, " Dean tesed over a half full mouth. This pleased the old lady and she turn to wash her hands in the sink and begin on cleaning the dishes. After about his third slice of pie, Deans belly rumbled and he had to ask for the little boys room. "Its out back. You can't miss it," directed the lady sweetly, "oh and suppers almost ready dear. I made one of my blue ribbon meat pies."
The out house door slammed shut just in time for Sam to look over and hear Dean moaning and grunting from inside. Shelby was still digging, but now she had moved to the further side of the mond. "Dean is that you?,"Sam asked puzzled," where did you go?" A whail and a long painful fart later Dean answered with a groan," what did she put in the food? Laxatives?" Sam's face was a mixture of worry,disgust, and amusement. It took everything in him not to laugh at the sounds coming from his brother. This is why you don't eat food from strangers. The dog was now biting at something in the dirt and trying to pull it out, but only went flying backwards when something finally came loose in her mouth. Dean strolled out of the out house applying grem-x to his hands and walked ocer to Sam and the dogs new find. The husky now held a dirt covered hand bone, and it looked human. "Well isn't that great."Dean sighed. "So beddie crocker desided to go on full swenny todd and started serving up some meat pies," Dean concluded. "It looks that way," Sam said as he removed the hand and placed it on the dirt pile.
Sam stood up after wiping his hands on his jeans and dialed up the local law inforcement. This wasn't one of their jobs after all. "Yes, I would like to report a body. My dog found it while hiking-" "I think im gonna be sick," said Dean as he walked off behind the garden and threw up. Surprisingly it didn't take the cops long to find the place. Park rangers were first on the sence and arrived within ten minutes. It appeared that "Mrs,Baker" was a bit of a controversial local celebrity. The whole town knew about the cabin and a few locals even helped bring her groceries from time to time. No one had ever thought to look in the garden for the missing hikers, because noone suspected a sweet little grandmother to something so terrible. In the end it looked like quite a few of the people had the back of their heads smashed in and their flesh stripped off.
"Humans are the worst kinda monsters, am I right ?" Dean asked looking down at Shelby in the parking lot as they packed up back at the motel. " So let me get this straight," Sam said shutting the trunk," a little fragile old woman like Mrs. Baker got the job on so many people.How?" Dean opened the back seat of the Impala for Shelby to jump in and closed the door behind her. "I think it was because how nice and welcoming she was. I mean I let my gaurd down so completely around her. She just seemed so nice. " Dean explained as they got in and the car reved to life. They slowly made their way out of town, but now before one last stop. The car idled in front of the pet store and Sam looked to Dean confused when he slid out of the car. A few minutes passed and cars started driving past the Impala.Shelby's tail waged hard and fast and she barked happily when he returned. Sam had the biggest grin on his face as Dean sat back into the divers seat and threw the largest cow bone he could find to the dog and drove off.