Little Rock, Arkansas
County Sheriff Office
"You are a failure, and always will be."
The teenager's face was blank as his mother walked away. His court appointed public defender sighs as she puts down his file.
"I don't know what to tell you. It's bad."
"Give it to me straight."
"Harboring and abetting a suspected fugitive, robbery, grand theft auto. It's a tough fight. You're eighteen. It will get hard from now on." His lawyer sighed. "If I were you, I'll plead guilty. It's better than spending twenty."
His face was blank as he got off the bus. Ignoring the whistles and kisses, he walks down the ramp to the prison.
He tried not to look at his partner, who was gesturing with kissy faces.
"You're pretty." Kiss.
When the door to his cell was opened, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Moody! It's time for your appointment!"
The teenager couldn't help but notice the fear that flashed across Moody's face.
"Hey. He's not bothering me..."
"Shut up kid, unless you want to go in the Shoe!" The guard calls out. Immediately, he clamps his mouth shut. He had no choice but to watch his cellmate get taken away.
It was a day later when he saw Moody come back. Bruised, with a broken arm. Seeing Moody's expression, he clamps his mouth shut.
Twenty One. Best birthday ever. At least when he gets out. What a way to spend the best years of his life. At least he was getting out on Monday. Looking around his jail cell, he wondered where Moody was at. He looked at his new cellmate.
"Whatca in for kid?" He didn't look any older than he did.
"Wasn't me. Wrong place wrong time."
"Same here. A piece of advice, keep your head down and shut up. Keep yourself healthy. Trust me." The stories about the Infirmary. Everyone said the anyone that was 'treated' there never got out. Hearing bells and alarms he looked up.
"What's going on!"
"Stay here."
"Fuck that!" His cell mate runs out when the door opened.
"Idiot." He closed the door to his cell. He was getting out, but not like this.
Monday morning, he was all smiles as he walked out.
"Good luck Tiny." He nods his head at the former football player.
"You too." What Tiny saw that night, he wished he listened to his cellmate.
Randall walked away from the prison, he hoped he never see the inside of that place ever again. Especially what happened during that prison riot. He couldn't wait to see his little brother. He was only twelve, but he would make sure he was kept safe. Especially from their parents.
'Justice was served I guess.' Executions weren't done here, but at least everyone could relax in relief. No more prisoners would have to die, and hopefully the guards learned their lesson.
He just wished he went to Marine Boot Camp instead, at least his old friend was Decon was doing good, guy most likely is training with their old classmate John Winchester.
'At least I didn't get drafted.' He hated prison, but Vietnam was worse. His prison record will keep him from getting drafted in the War over there.
He walks away to catch a ride outta town, he was twenty one, he had a life to begin.
Present Day
"Yeah, I'm doing good." Paige smiles at Richard when he puts down the breakfast tray. "So how's things? Really. What do you expect when your pregnant with a witch." Piper was complaining that her unborn baby was displaying magic powers Piper didn't have. "Look at the bright side, if you need food, your baby can grow plants double the speed." Piper said their small house plant grew up to be a huge tree. Sam was forced to chop it up into wood. "She is also a Winchester. Sam's family has some magical blood." Walter, Henry, both had knowledge of magic. "Well, have a good day at work, that restaurant of yours will miss you once you go on maternity leave. Tell Laura Auntie Paige will visit sometime. Bye."
"How's your sister?" Richard was laying next to Paige reading the newspaper.
"Fine. She didn't expect her baby to come into their powers so quickly." Paige was surprised herself, it wasn't even halfway yet. "My sister is scared about exposure, she is thinking of bonding the baby's powers, at least temporarily. Mmm. This breakfast, it is incredible."
"Thanks. Our family's chef attended the best culinary school in Europe, cost my family a fortune, but well worth it."
"I would say so." The scrambled eggs were delicious. "Piper would hate him." Piper was incredibly jealous of other people's cooking. She was currently trying to save money to open her own restaurant. Unfortunately, that was looking like a pipe dream, she was complaining that their house needed a new water heater. Sam was forced to bathe in cold water before he went to class. Once she finished eating, she thanks Richard for the meal.
"No problem. What time is the ceremony?"
"Two pm." Billie's college graduation ceremony was taking place at her university. "Gotta have a shower, do my hair, and pick up Billie's present." Paige was so proud of Billie, she worked hard at college.
"What did you get her?"
"A pair of shoes." Paige was planning on wearing her Manolos, her real designer shoes. Billie's apology present for breaking the rules. "Its the least I can do." Paige used her bonus from her old job at Scared Meadows, Kevin said Castiel forgot to add it when Paige got her final paycheck.
"You want my credit card?"
"No, I'm good."
"You don't have to worry about money anymore. I can take care of you." Richard spoiled Paige rotten, not only with his family's money, but with magical gifts as well. Like Paige's diamond necklace.
"I appreciate it Richard, but my family is independent. I'll pull my weight around here. Hand me the newspaper." She scores the want ads.
"Anything good?" Richard started kissing her shoulder.
"Wellll, there is a want ad for a dog walker." She leans her head to the side at Richard's kisses, especially when he started kissing her neck. "But a magician's assistant sounds fun." She didn't protest when Richard used his magic to take her dirty dishes away. "Ah, what time is it?" She pushes Richard down on the bed.
A few hours later both her and Phoebe were cheering as they watch Billie walk across the stage. Richard was livestreaming to Piper, who couldn't travel for obvious reasons.
"Our girl is all grown up." Paige was so proud. Despite having three older sisters, Billie was like her younger sister. "She did it." Billie was being handed her diploma.
"You coming to grad next year?"
"Duh. I don't care if I'm get stuck in another world again, I'm not missing my sister becoming a doctor." Phoebe's final year at Stanford was starting this fall. Phoebe was getting her medical degree. "Between you, and Piper, what am I gonna do with my life?" Paige realized she was alone.
"Be with the man you love?" Phoebe said with envy.
"I love Richard, but I want to be more than a trophy sugar baby." Paige liked it at first, but she was getting bored. Besides, she felt cheap.
"Maybe you can go back to Scared Meadows, or go back to social work." They wave to Billie who was glancing at the audience.
"Maybe." Paige smiles back at Billie who looked flushed. "I need to do something with my life. At least Billie has the right idea. She's going to Boot Camp."
"Boot Camp?" Phoebe was shocked. "Why?"
"She had another nightmare, that she lost her magic and was forced to go into hiding. She is heading to San Diego to join the Marines." Paige was gonna miss her. "I think she'll make it." The time they first met, a eighteen year old Billie was fighting demons in a alley, Paige was forced to be her whitelighter. Now as a college grad, she didn't need guidance anymore. "I'm gonna miss her. She made my life have purpose."
"What do you mean have purpose?" Phoebe and Paige were talking quietly, they didn't want to disturb the parents that were watching their adult son walking across the stage.
"You are becoming a doctor, Piper is gonna be a mom, and Prue is traveling around the world with the man she loves. What about me?" She lowers her voice. "At least when I was a whitelighter, I had meaning." Paige hated it at first, she resented Billie for making her babysit. But over the years realized how useful she felt. "My powers are bonded, I don't know what my true self is." Paige had a basic understanding of magic, but none to call her own. At least as a half-whitelighter, she could use her own magic.
"Maybe you can go back to the Manor and look in the Book? Maybe there is something that will solve your question." Phoebe suggested.
"I'll do that." Once the ceremony ended, they go to greet Billie.
Paige was driving back home, Phoebe went to see her dad, and Billie went to dinner with her parents. She was thinking about what her next step was, when she saw flashing lights behind her.
"Great. Just great." She pulls over. "Afternoon Officer, lovely day isn't it?"
"License and Registration." The bored cop says to Paige.
Paige silently hands her license.
"Miss Matthews, you realize you ran through a stop sign."
"I did? Sorry." Whoops. Great that ticket will put a bigger dent in her bank account. "My little sister, she just graduated. Guess I'm gonna miss her when she moves down to San Diego."
"Really? What did she study?"
"Chemistry." Billie told her she wanted to be a pharmacist, she wanted to attend grad school after college. Unfortunately, she didn't have the money to attend college again, and joined the Marines instead. Her college degree wasn't a waste, Billie's knowledge of chemistry helped the Charmed Ones make better potions that were more stable and proficient. Paige looked at the cop, she didn't look any older than her. "You like being a cop?"
"Yep. It's a family tradition. My dad was one, same with my grandad. I had no brothers, so I was expected to follow his footsteps. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. Just wish there were more women in the force." Before she could finish writing down Paige's ticket, her radio went off.
"All units, code two eleven, sixty hundred fortieth street. Possible hostages."
"Unit A-Ten. Roger that. ETA five minutes. Over." Officer Maron hands Paige back her things. "Looks like it is your lucky day."
"What's a code two eleven?" Paige never watched that much cop crime shows. Although she dated a secret agent a few years ago, she wasn't familiar with police codes.
"Bank robbery." She was about to leave till Paige interrupted her.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Make it quick."
"What do you like most about your job?"
Officer Malon smiled.
"Helping people. If you are interested, the Police Academy is looking for applicants."
"Thanks." A cop? Dean, Sam and Piper are hunters. Phoebe is going to be a doctor, and Billie was going to be a Marine. Maybe that can be Paige's thing. She watched as Officer Malon drove away. "A bank robbery?" Might as well watch the boys, no women in action. Luckily she knew where Norman Bank was.
"Wow." Paige was surprised to see so many cop cars. They weren't alone, the SWAT team was with them. Seeing her friend Ian, she waves to him.
The Chief of Police was talking to a fellow cop when he saw Paige. Excusing himself he goes to her.
"Paige. You shouldn't be here. This isn't magical in nature." He says in a low voice.
"I know, but I got curious. What's going on?"
"Bank robbery. Guy's psycho, he holding hostages and threatening to shoot if we move in." He sighed. "You should go home, I don't want to explain anything to your sisters just in case."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Ian shook his head.
"You can go home. We have everything we need right here." Ian goes back to the front lines, he, like every other officer was dressed in full gear.
Paige had no choice but to watch the carnage.
"No one move!" Nick Edwards screamed. "It's not you I want. It's him." Nick was pointing a machine gun at the loan officer.
"Nick, this isn't the way." Henry Mitchell begged. He only came here to offer moral support to his old parolee who was just released from prison.
"I said SHUT UP!" Nick was deathly calm, he scared Henry. "I can't think with you babbling."
Henry knew Nick was stressed, but this was way out of character. His time in Afghanistan must have broken his mind.
"All I wanted was a second chance, but of course not. I was sent to hell for something I couldn't control."
Henry noticed a young blonde girl sitting on a chair. She looked pretty calm, her head was down, she was looking at a makeup palette. Henry looked away.
"Nick. Think about your son. You are better than this."
"I said, SHUT UP!"
Paige jumped when she heard a gunshot. The people inside and outside were screaming.
"Hold your fire!" Ian was holding up his badge. "Get the negotiator here now!"
Paige was terrified. But also filled with adrenaline. She was praying the people inside were okay, but couldn't help but wonder of she could do anything. Checking to see what everyone was doing, she casually goes to a police van and peeks inside.
"You gotta be kidding me."
"Can I help you?" A cop was staring at Paige with suspicion from inside the van.
"I just wanted to make sure my sister is okay." She thought Billie was with her parents?
Henry was holding his side.
"He needs a ambulance!"
"Shut up!"
Nick was grimacing in pain. All the years he became a cop, and this is how he goes. He looked at the guy who shot him.
"Please. Don't blame yourself." He gasped. He was happy that Nick was okay, Henry knew he couldn't live with himself if his former parolee was killed. "Nick, think about Justin. He needs his father."
Paige was tearing up. She didn't know who that man in the leather jacket, but she hoped he was okay.
"I didn't mean it. It was an accident." The cop who shot Henry was racked with guilt. "Forgive me."
Everyone screamed when Nick shot at the ceiling.
Ring!
"This is the Police! We heard gunshots! Is everyone okay! Pick up the phone!"
Nick paced back and forth, all Henry could do is watch.
'Pick up the phone' He silently begged. He saw the blonde girl stand up and look at Nick. 'Hey. What are you doing?' That was the last thought he had before he passed out from shock.
Paige was clapping along with everyone else when she saw the robber getting lead out with handcuffs. When she saw the police rush inside a few minutes later, she prayed Billie was okay.
"Thank you God." Paige didn't care about Him, but seeing Billie getting led out by the police, obviously okay, she goes over to her after she got led to safety. "Billie! Billie!"
"Paige? What are you doing here? I thought you went home!"
"I thought you were having dinner with your parents? What happened?" Paige looked up to see someone getting led out on a gurney. "Is he okay?"
"I hope so. He was a innocent bystander." He was unconscious wearing a oxygen mask over his face. Once the ambulance drove away with lights and sirens wailing, Billie explained to Paige what happened earlier that afternoon.
Billie told her parents that she wanted to head to the bank, she had to pick up some cash. In reality, she was following a demon that was possessing an innocent man.
"A demon? Why didn't you call?" Paige demanded. "Demons aren't something you can deal with yourself!"
"I know. But that demon had direct information about Christy. It was my only shot."
Ever since Billie moved out of the Manor, she was hell bent on solving Christy's murder. She was determined to find that demon before she moved away. It took her months, but she found Rohtul possessing a released prisoner.
"So you stalked this demon, who was possessing an innocent and never bothered to fill us in?"
"I know. But Paige! Try to understand! My sister is dead! You have yours, I don't! All I needed was closure." Billie sighed. "If you must know, I already made arrangements with that angel friend of yours. That Nick guy, he will be transferred there in a few days. He won't face any charges."
"You sure? Someone was shot."
"By a fellow cop. Nick is completely innocent! I used a homemade potion to vanquish that demon."
"How?"
"I'm a chemist remember? I used whatever I could find to make a vanquishing potion. As far as anyone knows, I dropped my makeup when I accidentally sneezed on it. There was dust everywhere."
Paige wanted to lecture her some more, but Billie was a adult now.
"Did you find any news at least?"
"I got a location. The place where Christy was held prisoner."
Billie felt no closure when she arrived at that prison. Even with Christy gone, she felt her emotions everywhere. Her grief, sadness, anger, hopelessness, it was everywhere.
"She didn't die there. But I felt her presence. I had that place destroyed. At least she can rest peacefully now." The ghostly plane was no place for her.
"I'm sorry Billie."
"Thanks. Its not the answer I wanted, but at least no other witch can suffer." Billie sighed. "I think moving away will be good for me."
''I'm going to miss you." Paige and Billie hug.
"Me too." Billie teared up. "Being in the Marines. Who would have guessed." She laughs with sadness. "At least I can travel. Who knows, there may be other witches that need me, remote islands with no guidance. Perhaps this is my calling." She and Paige look at each other. "Take care of yourself. Your niece or nephew, they need all the protection they need."
"I will. When you graduate, I'll be there. Especially when you board that ship." Paige waves goodbye with tears in her eyes as Billie goes to her parents. Billie found her calling, it was time for hers.
Why is it so bright in here? Is this Heaven? He groaned when he felt pain in his side.
"I'm in Hell?" Dammit. Man, the Afterlife was pretty strict about things. Henry was trying to rack what he did so wrong when he heard a familiar voice.
"You're awake? Thank the Lord."
Henry turned his head to the voice.
"Hey. Did you die too? Or are you my Judge. Go easy, I didn't murder anyone."
"You must be so woozy from the drugs." Diana Ballard deadpanned. "Try not to move, you just got out of emergency surgery."
It took Henry a few minutes to get his bearings together. The memories of the bank robbery came back to him.
"Diana? What happened?" Ugh. He felt sick. Diana moved like lightning and put a sick pan under his chin. Once Henry stopped puking, he didn't protest when his partner wiped his mouth.
"You were shot. Luckily the bullet missed vital organs, but you lost a ton of blood. The guy who shot you, he was a cop."
"Pretty trigger happy for a cop." Henry remembered his training. Never pull any weapons in front of hostages. "Who was he?"
"Some backwater cop from Arkansas. He was here on a vacation. Probably this was his first chance to be a hero." She met a few of those small town cops in Maryland, most looked down at city cops. Especially women cops. "He sent you those." A bouquet of flowers were beside Henry's bedside. "It was his way of apologizing."
Henry nodded, he felt too weak.
"How long was I out?"
"A few hours. The doctors worked their asses off to keep you alive. I came here as soon as I could." Diana takes his hand. "Mitchell. Why were you with that robber?"
"His name is Nick. Nick Edwards. He was a parolee of mine back in LA. I went with him to be a character witness to help him get a loan. I didn't expect him to snap." This was SO out of character for Nick. "The war must have been more traumatic than he expected."
"What made him snap?"
"Could be anything. PTSD, homelessness, losing custody of his son. He went to the bank to get a loan. He wanted to get his son back, but he needed a apartment first. That halfway house won't let his son Justin live there. That loan officer was such an ass. He took one look at his record and automatically denied him. Guy has good credit, even while in prison. There shouldn't have been any reason to be denied. He got hired as a instructor as a pilot, he would have paid off that loan in less than a year."
"Why was he in prison?"
"Writing bad checks, stealing. He just wanted to provide for his son." Henry groaned in pain. "He was released after a year. He was determined to straighten his life. That thing at the bank, he snapped when a balloon popped. He must have thought he was back in Afghanistan." Henry groaned as he tried sitting up. He felt Diana's hand push him gently back down.
"Get some sleep Mitchell. You had a long day." She gets up to leave.
"Hey."
"What is it?"
"Is Nick okay?" Despite what happened to Nick, Henry still cared deeply about him.
"He's fine. DA isn't pressing any charges. He is being sent to a psychiatric hospital for the time being. He'll still have a job when he is released."
"Good." Henry laid back down. "Diana?"
"Yea."
"Where did he get that gun?"
Diana shrugged.
"I don't know. I'm not in charge of that case."
"Who is?"
"Sheridan."
"Sheridan? Great." The Great White Shark. That was the nickname the department gave her behind her back. "She'll ruin his life. God knows how she got her position as Lieutenant."
"Have some faith. Sheridan may be a bitch, but she does have morals. Take care Mitchell. I'll see you before my shift tomorrow."
"Thanks. Before you go, do me a favor? Make sure Justin is okay. He's a good kid, I promised Nick he would be safe."
"Will do. Night."
"Good night." Henry was in a deep sleep when Diana sneaked out.
"Get better Mitchell." Diana shut off the lights.
Paige was reading the pamphlets when Phoebe walked in.
"Honey! I'm hommeeee!"
"Still practicing?" Paige's eyebrows were raised reading the starting pay. Wasn't what she expected, but it was better than sponging off her rich boyfriend.
"You never know, I can meet my honey anytime. Besides with the Manor being so big, I need to make sure the kids can hear me. Whatcha reading?" Phoebe picked up one of the pamphlets Paige was reading. "The United States Army? You kidding? The Navy? The Air Force? The San Francisco Police Academy? Paige, what's this about?"
"Just trying to find myself." Hmm. All were exciting, especially the Air Force. She wasn't afraid of heights, she was part whitelighter. "How would I look in white?"
"Wouldn't suit you."
"Okay. Blue or green then. Or even navy." Wow. The Navy was offering a chance to travel on a powerful ship filled with weapons. Hmm. She wasn't crazy about guns, but she can work as a operator. She was good at talking. "I always wondered what being inside a sub is like."
"You're claustrophobic! Remember!"
"Mmm hmm." The Army? "Hey!" When Phoebe snatched away the pamphlet.
"Paige, what's this about?"
"I feel, empty? Ever since Billie left, I feel lost. Like I lost something about myself."
"We all knew she was going to leave eventually."
"I know. But it's more than that. I feel like, like I'm missing a part of myself."
"Your whitelighter side?"
Paige nodded.
"At least when I was a whitelighter I had something. I can orb, call something when I needed, like Prue. But ever since I lost that, I felt like a part of me is cut off. At least when Billie was around, I felt useful. I even dreamt about getting my old job back."
"Head Director?"
"Social work. I was tempted to call Bob and beg for my old job back." Paige loved it at first, she liked helping people. But over the years got stressed out. Social work was one of the hardest jobs that ever existed. She was severely underpaid, and burned herself out after a few years. "At least South Bay Social Services helped people. But if it wasn't my magic, I would have still been there." She sighed. "Head Director was better, I got a huge paycheck, plus a title, but it wasn't for me." She looked down at the pamphlets spread on the coffee table. "At least Prue had the right idea, she is discovering herself. I'm not even forty yet, and still don't know what to do with my life."
Phoebe was tempted to say something, but clamped her mouth shut. She knew her sisters hated it when she talked psychology with them. Instead, she gestured to the pamphlets.
"You know, being a cop is a noble profession. You can still help people, and you don't have to leave the country. You always tended to help people, but unlike us, you are more hands on." Phoebe preferred to talk, Piper and Prue liked being behind the scenes, but Paige. She wanted to be in the middle of things. Like social work, helping her patients, or even being a witch/whitelighter. "Obviously you like action, why not take the entrance exam?"
Paige looked at the pamphlet Phoebe was holding. A police officer? Thinking about that bank robbery that afternoon, the excitement and frustration about not being able to help. She looked at the smiling police officers.
"Officer Matthews."
"Has a nice ring to it, you can be like Chloe from that show. She dealt with angels and demons on a weekly basis."
The more Paige thought about it, the more appealing it got. She imagined herself driving a cop car answering calls, arresting bad guys, finding missing kids, the excitement went on. It wasn't that much different than what she was doing, but unlike that angel, or her "Charmed" TV counterpart, she wouldn't quit if things got tough.
"Pass me that." Paige dialed that number on the back. "Hi, I have a question about the entrance exam."
Paige was nervous when she found herself sitting in the classroom. She was really here, training to be a cop. When she saw the instructor, her and her fellow classmates stood up and and stood rigidly straight, staring forward.
"Welcome to the SFPD Police Academy! You all think you want to be cops? Well, holding a gun and arresting bad guys isn't enough! My name is Marcus, but you will know me as Officer Hill. These next few months will be the toughest thing you ever will experience, those that want to quit, now's the time!" He pauses for a few seconds, then when no one moved, he started talking again. "Over the next few days, you will be screened for any disqualifying behavior. You will be asked to critically analyze a situation and determine a appropriate course of action. You will be expected to act assertively and without hesitation, but!" He looks sternly at everyone. "You must make quick split decisions, especially if civilians are involved! Am I making myself clear?"
"Sir! Yes sir!" Paige chanted with everyone else.
"You may sit down." Once everyone sat down, Officer Hill looks at the class. "Okay, I will take roll call, then we'll get started." He calls out everyone's name, but when he got to Paige, he singles her out. "Your name Cadet?"
"Paige Matthews sir."
"I'll be keeping an eye on you Matthews. Anyways, for the next few weeks..."
Paige was wondering why she got singled out. There were kids here that looked like they came straight out of high school. When she glanced at the door, she saw Lieutenant Sheridan watching through the glass door.
"Oh crap."
"You have something to say Matthews?" The instructor was glaring at her.
"No sir." Whoops.
"Drop and give me twenty. Nope! Up here, I want everyone to see what happens when they disrupt the class." Paige felt her face turning red. "Drop! And don't stop till I tell you!"
Paige wondered if she was making a mistake. Maybe her counterpart had the right idea of dropping out.
Diana Bellard saw Sheridan watching the rookie class.
"Lieutenant. How's the new rookies?"
"Pretty green. That Matthews girl, I'm gonna keep an close eye on her."
Diana watched as she did her pushups.
"She reminds me of myself. My instructor back in Maryland was tough on me too. Except she made me exercise in heavy rain. I spent the next few days sick with a cold. Guess she expected me to drop out."
"Obviously you didn't." They watch as Paige sits back down.
"Nope." Diana thought about her partner. "A cold didn't stop me, and neither did my partner back in Maryland." Diana hated him for betraying her. Especially the badge. She forced the memories away, he still left a bad taste in her mouth.
"Speaking of partners, how is Mitchell?"
"He'll be fine, but he won't be coming back to work anytime soon." Henry was devastated when doctors told him he most likely be in a wheelchair for long term. "He's pretty depressed, already thinking of suing."
"Don't blame him." Sheridan looks away from the class. "If you are asking, Nick Edwards, he will be released to psychiatric care. Pretty expensive, guess the DA felt sorry for him."
"It's one of the best hospitals in California." Diana heard of it, a week's stay would bankrupt her. "It will be good for him, maybe a private hospital would help him with the trauma he suffered from Afghanistan."
"I better get back to work, the case on the bank robbery, even though Nick was under a psychotic break, he did drive his car through the doors. The bank wants to press charges for property damage."
"And my partner?"
"That police officer carried a unregistered handgun. He will have to answer some pretty tough questions, especially since he carried it across state borders. Plus carrying a loaded weapon in a bank with civilians, plus firing at a fellow cop. He better have a good attorney."
Diana watched as she walked away. She disliked Sheridan, she followed her former partner to New York. When she came back, everyone was on their toes again. The Great White Shark, the name suited her, she knew how to smell prey; plus keep them from getting away. She looked at the window.
'You better keep your eyes peeled at all times. Especially now.'
That rookie, her sister is married to a Winchester. Sheridan, the Halliwells isn't the only one she keeps an eye on. Diana had to go back to work, until she got a new partner, she was on her own.
Paige was exhausted when she returned to the Manor. It was only her first week and was already regretting things. Just her luck Sheridan was working. Paige was tempted to quit, but she wasn't going to give up.
"Home sweet home." It felt weird being back at the Manor, but she told Richard Phoebe needed her help to pay the bills. If only Piper was still here. Speaking of, Paige picked up the phone.
"Winchester Residence."
"Winchester? I thought it was Halliwell-Winchester." Paige teased.
"Sorry. It's just easier to say Winchester. It was Sam and Dean's home before I moved in. So how's your class?"
"Busy, you wouldn't believe..." She heard a baby crying. "Is that Laura?"
"Yep. Guess who's babysitting tonight."
"Phoebe would be so jealous." Phoebe was obsessed with that baby. She was looking forward to Piper's, she always talked baby talk to her belly. "How's my niece?"
"Other than the crying, good. Sam is heating up a bottle for her. He says hi."
"Well, you sound busy. Better get that practice in, by fall my nibling will be here." Paige couldn't wait. Boy or girl, they were getting spoiled. Hopefully her class didn't interfere with Piper's birth. Speaking of, she had to ask. "Have you had any thought about where you'll give birth?
"A hospital."
"No, I mean. Here, or Kansas." Her, Phoebe and Victor hoped she came home, it was easier if she had her baby here. That way, they could visit anytime.
"We're still deciding. Before you ask, I am seeing a doctor. And no, I don't know the gender."
"Does she know, you know."
"He's a nice guy, he doesn't talk baby talk like the other doctors I seen. And before you ask, the baby is doing fine."
"Looks like you have everything under control." Paige felt even more useless. She was beginning to regret quitting her old job, at least Ava did prenatal care as well as being a surgeon. "I'll let you go, tell everyone I miss them."
"You too. Good luck with your police studies!" She hung up before Paige could say goodbye.
"Great talk." Paige felt so hallow. She went to see if Phoebe was home, but when she saw the note, she realized she was alone. "Guess I should heat up dinner."
Once her TV dinner was done, she went to watch TV. Phoebe agreed to have television, but only basic. Since bills were piling up again, they were thinking of renting their place out to hunters on occasion. Paige was changing channels when a news story caught her eye.
"In today's top story, a bank robbery was held today. An officer was shot and taken to the hospital, so far no name has been released."
"Poor guy." Paige wondered if what she was doing was right. It was dangerous. But so was fighting evil. "At least I'll get paid for this." She changed the channel.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Green River County Detention Center
"Prisons." Scoff. "They fill up more every year."
"What do you expect, it's getting rougher every day."
"Look, the faster we work, the sooner we can go."
The three contractors were hired to open the old cellblock. It was sealed shut after so many years, the metal door fused to the walls.
After a few minutes, they pry the door open.
"Finally! Why did that take so long?" The guy with the green hardhat complained.
"Moisture? This hasn't been opened since the seventies." Jules steps inside. "So dark inside." Phew. Feeling a shiver, he rubs his arms. "Is it just me, or does it feel so cold in here?"
David shines his flashlight inside.
"You would think they cleaned in here." The room wasn't only damp and cold, it had remnants of dried blood inside.
"Ugh. Imagine being locked in here." Liam felt like someone just walked past him. Seeing cold air, he shuddered. "Is it just me, or does it feel like we're not alone?" Liam didn't believe in that crap, but something about this place didn't feel right.
"You too?" David felt incredibly creeped out. "I feel like someone is staring at us."
"We opened the door, let's get the hell outta here." No way was Jules staying inside. When they heard the door slam behind them, they all look at each other and run out. No amount of money was worth this.
Randall was reading a book. He read this countless times, but it was one of his favorites. He chuckled at the scene, it never got old. He wanted to finish this chapter before lights out, knowing he was on kitchen duty tomorrow. Which meant he'll be there all day. Oh well. He got extra dessert, a small perk for being locked in this place.
Ugh. Why does it feel so cold in here? Cheap guards. When he saw the lights flickering, he sighed in annoyance. It's only when he saw a dark shadow that walked by his door that caught his attention. Getting up, he went to check what it was.
Back in the guard quarters, a prison guard was reading his favorite gentleman's magazine. He wasn't paying attention to the time, it was 10:03 pm. Three minutes after lights out.
Tick. Tick...Tick
10:04
Randall shivered when he saw that cold air.
"Dammit! Hey! Hey!" He calls out.
The guard upstairs didn't notice, he was too busy looking at the nude model on the page. Only when the lights start flickering when he looked up and saw the prisoner waving widely to the camera.
"Something's up in B Block. Gonna take a round before lights out."
"Roger that."
The hell does Randall want? The guard never liked him, guy made a career being in prison.
"Hey! Hey!" He screamed.
"Shut up!" A prisoner yelled.
"Quiet!" Someone else called out.
Randall continued to yell. He had to know, who was dumb enough to open that block?
"Boss!" When he saw the prison guard.
"It's after lights out! Go to sleep!"
"The old cell block!" He jumped back when the guard hits the cell with his baton.
"Lights out Kob!"
"You don't understand!"
"Get away from the door! Now. I won't warn you again."
Randall steps back.
"Lights out. Get some sleep."
Randall had no choice. He didn't want to end up in the Shoe again.
"Lights out B Block."
"Roger that." The lights go off for the night.
'Heaven help you.' Randall crosses his chest in a holy gesture.
The guard takes a final walk through. As he was walking out, he noticed how cold it was. He was debating on telling maintenance to turn up the heat and decided against it. These guys were the scum of the Earth. A chilly nights sleep can teach them a lesson. Just about when he was about to leave, he felt a presence behind him.
'The hell?' He stood there for a few seconds. He looked at every cell, seeing if a door was left open. Hmph. This place, it made him jumpy. Just as he was about to leave, his arm got caught in the door.
"Argh!" That hurt!
He pressed the button on his walkie talkie.
"My arm is stuck. Can you get me outta here?"
"I'll be right there. Over."
Stupid door. He tried unsuccessfully to free himself, when he felt uneasy. When he looked up he started screaming.
Randall runs to the door and watches helplessly as the guard continued to scream.
"Dammit."
"This is our suspect?" The FBI Agent was starting at the suspect in the cell. "I was expecting..."
"They were acquitted."
The agent snorts.
"For now. But I'll be keeping an close eye on them."
"What about him? Planning to ask the hard questions? For a petty break and enter? Kid's most likely going to pay a fine and maybe some some community service."
"We'll see."
Devon's face was blank when the door opened.
"Take a walk."
"But..."
"I have the Captain's permission."
The cop nodded and reluctantly leaves the room.
"How's it going Devon?" FBI Agent Fallon says as he sits down.
Devon stares ahead.
"You're pretty far from Massachusetts. What brings you here to Arkansas?" When Devon didn't say a word, he sighed. "You have no criminal record, have a clean reputation, and I understand you have a new addition to the family?" He opens the folder. "Your sister, she had a baby not to long ago."
Devon shrugged.
"Look. I don't know why you're here, and I don't care. I do have some questions about your brothers in law. Sam and Dean Winchester?" Agent Fallon saw how his face shifted.
"They are good men."
"He speaks!" He pulls out a picture. "See this? It's an unsolved murder of a woman." He shows Devon a picture. "Gina Wandell."
"Poor girl." He pushes the picture back. "Never heard of her."
"But her father, he was found dead under mysterious circumstances a few years ago; just like her."
"That sucks."
Agent Fallon sighs.
''We may have evidence to believe that the murders are linked." He pulls out another picture. It was a grainy picture of Sam when he was younger. "Sam Winchester was seen in The Sandpiper Bar in Duluth, Minnesota. He was seen drinking and laughing with Steve Wandell a day before he died."
"Okay."
"Look, I know you never met Sam back then, however, his daughter Gina was found butchered in her father's home last year." He shows Devon some pictures. "It was a brutal kill. She was severely tortured before she died, very similar to her dad. I believe Sam may know something."
"And you came to me because..."
"Sam has lawyered up, your sister paid for his legal council."
"Good for him." Devon said in a bored tone. "Speaking of lawyers, I want mine."
"Look. I know your sister is married to Dean Winchester. He and Sam, they have a checkered past." He nods to his partner who walked in. "Agent."
His partner throws a thick stack of papers on the table. Agent Fallon picked it up.
"Credit card fraud, shoplifting, mail fraud, identity theft..."
"Murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, arson, shall I go on?"
"I know Sam's wife is pregnant. Plus your niece. What kind of role models do you want them in their lives?"
"They were acquitted." Devon's stomach growled. "I'm really hungry. Mind getting me a sandwich? Preferably veggie."
Agent Fallon opens up another folder.
"Yes I know. Hell of a lawyer. I'll love to hire Mr Archangel myself. Shame he left the country. Anyways, take a look." He shows Devon a picture of him and Jenna. "Nice picture. You and her were in town the day Gina died." It was a picture of them at a gas station. "The day Gina died we got reports of you two at her house. Mind telling me why?"
"That's enough, thank you." A woman holding a briefcase says walking in. "Devon, your parents called, said you were in trouble. Agent, I want to see my client alone."
"We're not done." .
"Yes you are." She puts her briefcase down. "Have some coffee, the deputy made a fresh pot."
Agent Fallon sighed.
"Fine. I'll leave you my card. Call me." He puts down his card with his contact information. "I'll be in touch."
Once the agents left, Devon's lawyer opens her briefcase and takes out some papers.
"Sorry I took so long, I usually don't take late night calls. Name's Mara Daniels, your parents hired me the moment you got in trouble."
"That was quick. I just got here. Anyways, can I leave?"
"I'm afraid not. I been trying to get you a emergency arraignment hearing, but Judge Bensen is out of town, and since it is a long weekend, you won't be able to see anyone till Tuesday morning."
"Tuesday? Can I just pay a fine? I didn't steal anything."
"I tried, believe me. But Tuesday is the best I can do. The courts are really busy, apparently there's was a soccer game who's after street party that got out of hand."
"I know. All I did was have a few beers. Next thing I knew I was in handcuffs. Can't remember how I ended up in that museum. Hell of a game though."
"Not everyday that the American team is in the finals. Anyways, you have to spend the weekend in the county jail."
"Wait. What? Why?" Devon was shocked. "I was drunk! That's it!"
"I know. But all the jails are full." Mara shook her head. "I don't understand myself, there are people here who did worse that are only here in drunk tanks. Believe me, I'm going to do everything I can to get you out, plus to expunge your record."
Devon threw his head down on the table.
"That's the last time I take something from a hot chick."
Devon barely had any sleep, he was too worried. Prison for breaking and entering? He was glad he wasn't in Texas. His charge would put him in the chair. He watches as the scenery goes by. A whole weekend in prison. He already hated his life.
"Okay you scum! Welcome to Green River! I hope you enjoy your stay!"
Devon stared straight ahead as he and the other prisoners were led to the jail.
"Hey baby!"
"Got some fresh fish!"
"You're mine Pretty!"
Devon tried not to flinch at his new roommate. One thing he was glad to watch was Oz. To never show fear.
"Hey." The prisoner grunted. "Nice to meet you. Name's Devon." His cellmate snorted. "Good talk."
Devon was so glad he prepared for this.
'Those guys owe me for this.' As he gets patted down. As the guard walked down the line, he sees another prisoner checking him out. Devon stared at him back. When he scratched his left elbow, he knew that was his contact.
Devon ate hungrily. May not be what he wanted, but he was starving.
"Burp."
"Nice one."
"First meal I had since I got here."
"What are you in for?"
"A favor."
"Me too. Name's Randall."
"Devon. So you're here the same reason I am."
"Yep, not my choice. Unlike you I'll be in here for awhile." Randall looks at the prison guard. "Being a hunter isn't the life I wanted, but after the shit I seen when I was younger, being in here isn't so bad."
"I get that. I'm only doing this because I want my sister out of the life."
"She voluntary became a hunter? Moron. No offense."
"She's always been stubborn. It's her husband, he introduced her to this." Devon polishes off his meal. "So what are we hunting?"
"A ghost? Narrowed it down to a serial killer. Heard of The Cleaver?"
"Mark Moody? Yeah, seen the movie. Guy's been busy."
"Had him as a roommate." He saw Devon's expression. "I was a eighteen year old kid. Before you ask, rules were different back then. Murderers and thieves were placed together, society just wanted us off the street. Dropped dead of a heart attack over thirty years ago."
"So he's the vengeful spirit? Of a heart attack? That doesn't sound like a serial killer's MO."
"Well to be honest, he was considered a 'problem prisoner.' The guards, they beat him on a daily basis."
"I can't decide if I want to praise them or hate them." Devon killed evil, but vigilante justice was a grey area for him.
"I did bad shit, but Moody was really messed up. Even demons would have grimaced at his crimes. One of Moody's victims was a nephew of one of the guards. He was fourteen."
"Oh."
"The day he died, there was a riot. Thankfully he was taken away for good, why he wasn't at Supermax was beyond me. Long story short, he was found beaten to death in his cell. Reports said heart attack, but we all knew better. The entire cell block was closed down."
"Why? He was just one guy. I checked the reports, that was the most secure part of the prison."
Randall looked around, making sure no one heard the next part.
"It wasn't just him. There was a nurse caught in the crossfire. She was checking up on Moody who had another heart attack. She was severely beaten to death by the other prisoners. The Warden and Governor ordered the cell block to be closed down. You want my opinion, they were covering their asses. This prison, they keep you here to make money."
"Huh? Why?" Devon heard of for profit prisons, but this wasn't famous or anything.
"Look, I'm just some guy, wasting my fifties rotting in here. You want info, start digging around. But, keep it quiet. These aren't the same guards from back then, but the people they work for, watch your back." Once lunch was over, they both get up. "Try to cause a distraction. You still have a ghost to vanquish."
Devon thought about what he said. A conspiracy? One night of drinking, and he ends up here. He swore to never drink again. Seeing a big guy, he forces himself to pick a fight.
"Here we go." He mumbled. He shoulder checks a guy. "Watch it Fatty!" His face was frozen in a poker face when he turned around.
"What did ya call me?" Tiny demanded. He stood up staring in Devon's eyes.
"Oh sorry. I meant Loser." Devon poked him in the chest.
"You don't know who your dealing with." He stands up straight, flexing his large shoulders.
Devon just stared at him with a bored expression.
"Yeah, that line is older than you." Devon punches him in the stomach. Soon both were throwing punches at each other.
The other prisoners were cheering at the fight.
"Ten smokes on Tiny!" Yells one guy.
"I'll double that!" Another yells.
"Fifty on the scrawny kid!" Devon's roommate calls out.
Devon ducks before Tiny socked him on the jaw.
"Awww. Did I heard your pitty little feelings. Weight Watchers is a final sale, too bad it didn't work on you!" He jumps out of the way before Tiny could grab him. Before either could throw another punch, their fight was broken up by the correction officers.
Tweet!
"Break it up! That's it!" Warden D. Kaylor yells. "What's this about?" He glares back and forth at the two prisoners.
"Nothing Boss." Tiny immediately backs off. "Just a misunderstanding."
"I tripped and fell. My friend here, he was just helping me up." Devon had a bleeding nose.
"Hmph. I have strict rules. Take 'em both to solitary!" Kaylor glares at Devon. "Don't be a dumbass kid." He knew this kid was only here for a weekend.
Devon winks at Randall. Randall gives him a subtle nod.
Devon yawned. Jail sucked. And this was only the first day. How did Dean and his brother do all that crap? He read the articles online.
"Hey. Um, I just want to let you know, I didn't mean anything I said."
"You're a dead man, once we get outta here." Devon heard Tiny cracking his knuckles.
Before Devon could say anything back, he breathed out a puff of cold air.
"Oh shit." He goes to his door. "Tiny! Do me a favor! Hold still! Don't show any fear! Show NO emotions!" The research he did, he was surprised that ghosts have a weakness. Vengeful spirits thrive on fear, anger, and sadness. But when facing someone with no emotions, they are powerless. He forced himself to have a blank state.
"The hell are you talking abo...The hell?"
"Guards! Guards!" Devon screamed. His yells echoed down the halls with Tiny's screams.
Agent Fallon stares at the folder. He was mystified himself about Devon's case. A weekend in prison for a drunken mistake? Even he knew that was excessive, especially for someone with no criminal record. He turns the page.
"Trying to figure it out too?" Mara asks. She came to the police station to try to get her client out of jail.
"Uh huh." He closes Devon's file. "Here. This is useless to me." He didn't know why his boss handed him this file. He was more interested in the Winchesters.
"You have any idea why the FBI is so interested in a drunken mistake? Because if you are, I'll be a very wealthy woman in no time." Mara couldn't figure it out either.
"Most likely a mix up, kid is going to enjoy that lawsuit." He nods as Mara walked away. He was here in Bumfuck, USA, with no case. He looks down at the table where Devon's file was before his lawyer took it away.
His sister was the reason he became a FBI agent. She was in San Francisco on a case a couple of years ago, she was there to track a serial killer. Three murders, three mystery deaths. The Winchesters weren't even on any radars yet. She was a recent transfer, she didn't care for the cold back in Chicago and applied to the San Francisco Division. She wasn't even there a week, she disappeared under mysterious circumstances shortly after. Agent Fallon himself, he was only a kid. But remembered how kind she was. He also knew why she wanted to leave Chicago. Her fiancé dumped her a week before their wedding, leaving her a "Dear Jane" letter. He was only a small child, but remembered her crying in their father's arms.
Gone was her kind demeanor, she became cold and emotionless. Throwing herself in her work, she didn't come home anymore. Always saying there was another case that needed to be solved. For three years, she worked, and with her hard work, got a promotion.
Even though there was a large age difference, they had a close sibling relationship. Till that day. After that, Jennifer became a recluse. She started pulling away. Her hugs to her little brother, gone. Then one night, she went out. It was one thing to be aloof, but it was like she became a different person.
He booted up his laptop. Both Sam and Dean showed up with their mugshots.
"All those charges, and you two get off scott free." He knew they were being closely watched, even with them getting exonerated from everything. How? He wished he knew. He was debating on leaving, but decided to stay in town. Devon, he was going to keep a close eye on him. He and his sister were on the radar for Gina's death.
The next day, Devon was mopping floors with Randall.
"So Tiny bit it huh? Told him to lay off the sweets."
"That was no heart attack." Those screams, whatever was happening to Tiny, it was bad. "I have to burn those bones."
"Moody was already taken care of." Randall tells Devon. He stopped mopping when Devon looked up. "Just found out last night. Your brother in law, him and his brother were on a road trip. And before you ask, hunters talk."
"Then how?"
"Don't know. But. His old cell. It was never cleaned after that riot. You want to get outta here, take care of that mess in there."
"Fine." Might as well, Devon was bored.
"Only Sunday? Ugh. Felt like a year." It was only the second day, he still was here till Tuesday at least.
"Two days? Baby. I been here since I was your age. Hell, I been in and out since I was a kid."
Both Devon and Randall were in the yard, both were taking a break from playing poker. Devon didn't smoke, but he gave a few smokes to Randall as a courtesy. In Devon's pocket, there was over thirty smokes. His sister was good at pool, he was at poker.
"My old man was a asshole. Beat my mom senseless every night. If it wasn't her, it was me. Then one day I couldn't take it anymore. I'll spare you the details, but I shoved back. Hit his head. I was only thirteen."
"What happened next?" No one was paying attention to them, everyone here had their own stories.
"Nothing. My birth giver and I never spoke about it. Told the cops he had too much to drink and slipped. They never questioned it, he was on a first name basis with all of them."
"Then why are you in here? You don't seem to be bothered."
"You ask too many questions kid."
"Sorry. About Moody's cell."
"The kitchen. There's a vent, take the first left, and go straight. It'll take you straight to the cell. Left you some matches, don't forget the salt."
"How do I sneak by?"
"I'll start a discussion. When it begins, be quick. They do head count every time."
"Got it."
Later that day, Devon watches as Randall taps someone on the arm. Then a minute later, whispers to someone nearby. Once all three started fighting, Devon sneaks away, making sure he grabs a salt shaker.
'Rest in peace, Moody.' He lights up the matches, making sure he salted the entire cell first. Once he saw the fire spreading, he quickly sneaks back in the vents.
Randall was sitting in the infirmary, he wasn't happy to have a broken nose, but he didn't want Devon in this mess. Seeing a shadow coming to his cell, he stared straight ahead. Forcing himself to blank out his mind, he pretended to sleep.
Agent Fallon was getting a headache. But he couldn't stop reading. Two murders in a bank. The Agent that was in charge of that case was Hendrickson. He became obsessed with that case, apparently, he was watching Dean for awhile.
"Wow." So much things. Grave desecration, fraud, attempted murder, then all those weird deaths. But that wasn't what spooked him. It was seeing those autopsy's of Dean Winchester. Then again with that bank robbery. "The hell. Who are you guys?" Supposedly they blew up in a accident back in Colorado, then shot dead in Iowa. The more he read, the more interested he became.
"I don't know who you are, but I'm determined to find out." Maybe they are invisible, but even immortals have a expiry date. He was on vacation, might as well use it.
"So, I'm getting out of here? Sweet!" Devon's lawyer came by to give him the good news.
"Wasn't easy. Judge Bensen wasn't happy to miss his granddaughter's piano lesson. But when he heard your case, he had his carriers deliver your walking papers. Just have to wait till four, then you are out of here. I already made arrangements to get you home." Mara smiles at Devon.
"Well, I'll lay off the alcohol next time. What kind of uncle will I be to Laura." Once they were done their conversation, Devon hangs up the prison phone. He had just one more conversation.
"All that trouble to do me that favor." Warden Decon shakes his head. "I'm surprised Sam and Dean aren't here."
"They have enough trouble as it is. Better me, than Laura thinking her daddy is a criminal." He shakes his hand. "No offense, but I never want to see you again."
"At least till The End." Decon saw it last night. "Tell Sam and Dean thank you. Plus to let you know, Nurse Glockner was taken care of years ago."
"What! Then who was.."
"Better get going kid. Your taxi's outside." Decon points to the door. "Tell Dean that John saved my ass several times back then. When it begins, I'll be there for them. Take care."
Devon nods, he had to grab a burger before he left town.
"God, Dean owes me big. I did my part, took care of that ghost." Devon had no idea who that was, but according to Murphy, it disappeared right after Devon burnt that cell. "Next case you throw at me, make it a mansion." He thanks Murphy and hangs up. He hoped Randall was okay, whoever was in charge of that prison was bad news.
Randall watched with dull eyes at the beating. He saw the eyes of the warden and his guards. All were sickened by the sight. But that prisoner should be relieved. Being beaten here, it was a better fate then what was out there at that compound. At least Tiny could rest, his heart attack saved him from those people.
"Is that bitch gone?"
"Nice and roasted." Decon handed him a pack of cigarettes. "Its not much, but your brother will be far away from here."
"Good." Randall lights up a cigarette. "Getting my ass thrown in various jails just to hunt, this is the part of hunting no one wants. Sorry about Frankie."
"Never liked him anyways, unlike the rest of us, he never faked it." They watch the prisoner limp away to the infirmary. "He should have never signed those papers."
"Dealing with demons is one thing, but those people? Screw that." He takes a puff. "After this, I'm heading north. Got a case about a possible revenant in a jail in Yukon."
"Good luck." Hunters like Randall were extremely rare. Those hunters were extremely dedicated to their work, unlike most hunters, they lived and breathed their jobs. As for himself, he was sticking to a regular job. He had to his own work, he had bills to pay.
The First World
Chuck was sitting in a random bar in Florida. He was taking a break, ending worlds was just as hard as creating them. He cried at first, those were His babies. But He forced Himself to harden His Heart. It was a doubled edge sword, with many worlds existing, He had a infinite place to keep running. But that also meant It will be more powerful. Chuck knew where the Fight will be taking place, that's why He sent all those visions. For once He had no idea what the Ending will be, but He hoped everyone was getting ready. Sam and Dean from the First World need to be protected, even if it meant they hated Him. But Sam and Dean from Magic World, they were stronger and more clever. He knew Billie was watching Him, but that's exactly what He wanted, both Her and Amara needed to be distracted, Neither needed to know what was going on.
Chuck took another sip. Once He was done, He had another world to destroy. It was nothing special, it was a exact copy of this world. Just the genders were swapped. Shame about Samantha, her sister showed no mercy.