A/N: Buckle up, we are pulling into the station as this journey is over. Thank you for coming along for the ride and for all the reviews. I hope you will come back for another story. I do like reviews/comments. NC
Chapter 15
The four hunters were split between two vehicles as they made their way through the night toward the isolated area near the Ozark National Park in Arkansas. There was little conversation between the crew as they each were lost in their own thoughts of what lay ahead. It was usually a hunter rule to not kill humans, but this time it was going to be broken, in a kill or be killed situation. This time the humans were just as bad, if not worse, as the monsters they hunted.
"We're getting close, over," Bobby spoke into a handheld walkie talkie. He waited and listened for a response.
"Understood, over," Pastor Jim replied, the radio crackling with static.
"We'll start looking for a pull off, over."
"Will follow, over."
"See if we can get a little closer before finding a place to leave the car," Bobby spoke to Rufus who was driving.
"Yeah, yeah, I know Bobby," Rufus snapped. "It's not like I've not done this before."
"No need to bitch about it," Bobby snipped back. Rufus was a good hunter, but he could be hard to work with. He had first met the man when he saved his life all those years ago when Karen, Bobby's wife, was possessed by a demon. Rufus exorcised the demon, but Karen was injured too badly to survive. That's what started Bobby down the hunter's path.
"Tell me Bobby," Rufus started. "Why are you doing this? Going after this Winchester dude."
"Because I have two boys waiting on their Daddy and I don't want to tell them he won't be coming back," Bobby replied. "Shore has crossed the line here and can't be allowed to get away with it."
"You think he's still alive?"
"I don't know, but I hope so," Bobby sighed. "This isn't the way a hunter should die, by the hands of another hunter."
"Well, that is true. We shouldn't be killing our own. There're not enough hunters out there now. I swear it seems more kinds of monsters pop up each year and our numbers seem to be dwindling."
"I won't argue about that. We don't need to lose any more of the experienced ones."
"What do you think? That looks like a good spot to hide the vehicles," Rufus said when his lights flashed over a side road. He slowed and signaled his intentions before pulling off the road onto a service road.
Bobby looked behind them and saw Mackie was still following them. Rufus inched the car forward and did a three-point turn so it would be facing the right way before stopping. Mackie did the same and stopped behind them. They shut their engines off and got out, going to the trunks to arm themselves.
"Alright, the structure is about a mile further down this road," Bobby relayed as they gathered around him. "We need to be careful and watch for any traps that might be set."
"Bobby, check this out," Mackie spoke up. He had a flashlight out and was looking at a map. "If we hiked through these woods, it would put us behind the place and not take as long."
"Sounds good to me, just watch yourself," Bobby replied. "Mackie, you want to take the lead?"
"Alright," Mackie nodded heading into the woods, using his light to show the way.
The others followed and silently slipped through the forest. Night sounds would go quiet for a moment as they passed and then start back up. It didn't take them long to find the end of the forest and could see the house sitting in a small clearing. Off to the side sat they could just make out the Impala.
"That's John's car. We've got the right place," Bobby spoke softly. "Everyone, watch your backs. We need to take them by surprise. You two take the back and we'll go in the front."
The hunters split up and made their way to the two doors leading inside. Bobby and Rufus stopped at the corner of the house and peeked around it to be sure the coast was clear. They crouched as they eased down the side until they came to the door. Very carefully Bobby tried the handle, and felt it turn easily in his hand. He pushed gently on the door, opening it enough so they could slip inside.
There was a camping lamp sitting on an end table in the first room they stepped into. They let their eyes adjust to the dim lighting before slinking through the room looking for any of the kidnappers. The room was sparsely furnished, and Bobby froze when the boards in the floor creaked from his weight. They listened intently to see if anyone had heard them.
Things exploded when gunfire sounded at the back of the house making Bobby and Rufus go into action. They hurried toward the noise, nearly colliding with one of the goons in the hallway. Bobby threw punches and Rufus pulled a Billy club out and wacked him over the head sending him stumbling toward the fireplace where he fell against a sharp corner, cracking his skull. He jerked twice before breathing his last. They stepped over the body and continued.
"We took down one," Mackie told them when they joined up with the others.
"Where's Shore?" Bobby asked looking around. They heard shuffling noises in another part of the house and headed that way.
"Stay back or he dies!" Shore screamed when Bobby stepped into what looked like a large storage room. The hunters could see the insanity in his eyes as his gaze bounced around between them.
Bobby took in the scene, seeing John's body being used as cover by Shore, who stood behind him with a knife to his throat. He peeked around John and looked at the hunters as they pointed guns at him.
"It's over Shore, you've crossed the line here," Bobby growled at him. He saw John open his eyes and try to focus on him for a moment. He could see the damage done to his body and was amazed he was still alive.
"Go ahead kill me, but I'm taking this bastard with me," Shore screeched as spital flew from his mouth. He raised the knife to stab John when a shot ran out hitting Shore in the wrist and almost severing his hand from his arm. "Ugh!..." Shore gasped in surprise and disbelief as he stared at his mangled hand.
This gave Bobby time to take aim and put a bullet into his skull, ending his life. He knew Shore would never stop his rampage until John Winchester was dead. The body dropped to the floor in a heap.
"Hang on John, we'll get you down," Bobby told him as they hurried to his side. "One of you loosen this chain."
"On it," Mackie said. He hurried to the walk and got the chain loose so John could be lowered to the floor.
"My god, he really did a number on him," Pastor Jim mumbled as he helped get the cuffs off John's bloody wrists.
"Mackie why don't you and Rufus go get the cars and bring in the first aid kit," Bobby gave instructions. "Jim, see if you can find some water. John can you hear me?"
"My…boys…" John spoke weakly as he looked up at Bobby.
"They're safe. Dean called me for help, and I went and got them."
"Thank…You…" he got out before passing out.
"Here's a jug of water and I found some clean towels," Pastor Jim offered sitting them by Bobby.
"Thanks." Bobby took a towel and poured water over it and started wiping the dried and smeared blood from John's body so he could assess how badly he was hurt. "Can you bring that light closer?"
"Okay," Pastor Jim nodded getting up to move a battery powered light closer so Bobby could see. He watched as Bobby pressed a hand towel to one of the knife wounds to stop the trickle of blood.
When Rufus and Mackie got back with the first aid kit, Bobby had Pastor Jim help him bandage the worst of the wounds. Rufus found his clothes and they partly dressed him before carrying him to the Impala and putting him in the back seat.
"We need to get him to a hospital for treatment," Bobby told them. "Check the kidnappers' pocket and see who has the keys. I'll drive the Impala and do that. Mackie, if you'll take my car back to Sioux Falls and leave it with my neighbor would help?"
"I can do that."
"Rufus, can you and Pastor Jim clean up here?"
"We'll take care of it and then head out," Rufus replied. "I'll drop the pastor off at his church."
"Thanks for your help."
"Found the keys," Mackie announced holding them up before tossing them to Bobby.
"Alright, everyone knows what to do. I'll be seeing you." Bobby headed for the Impala and got in, cranking her and pulling out onto the driveway. He headed for the small town nearby to find a hospital.
Mackie left shortly after Bobby and headed for Sioux Falls. When Rufus and Pastor Jim had finished burying the bodies, they packed up and left too.
Spn
John started coming around and groaned in pain as he tried to figure out where he was. His arms had been strained so badly he could barely move them. When his vision cleared enough that he could see, he determined he was in a hospital and tried to bring up the memories of what had happened previously.
"'bout time you woke up," a gruff voice spoke from the side of the bed.
After turning his head, John saw Bobby's face in the dim light of the room. Images flashed in his mind of Bobby rescuing him before he passed out. He tried to speak but only coughed and cleared his throat.
"Hold on, I'll get you some water," Bobby told him getting up and taking a cup of water and holding the straw to John's lips so he could drink several swallows to wet his mouth and throat. "Doctor says you were lucky. None of the injuries were life threatening."
"My boys?"
"They're with Missouri, safe."
"When can I leave?" he asked looking down at his body that was covered in bandages.
"Need to give yourself a little time to heal John. You've been through a traumatic event. I'm staying until you're released and will take you to Missouri's to pick up the boys and you can come back to the salvage yard with me. It'll do you good to take a little downtime and spend some time with your boys."
John didn't say anything as he fought to keep his eyes open but lost the battle. The strong pain meds and the damage to his body had him drifting back to sleep so he could heal. Bobby checked to be sure John was resting okay before stepping out to get himself something to eat. He needed to call Missouri to update her on John's condition.
After Bobby got his food and drink, he chose a table away from the other people and sat down. He was surprised the food wasn't that bad and settled to read a paper someone had left. He was going to stop at the pay phone to call Missouri with an update on John's condition before he went back to the room.
Spn
Missouri looked up from her reading when her phone began to ring. She got up to answer it, thinking it was Bobby with an update. Before she could get to it, the brothers ran into the room and stood waiting anxiously to see if it was more news about their father.
"Hello," Missouri greeted the caller.
"It's Bobby," Bobby replied. "Wanted to let you know John is awake and doctors say he's doing good. They're going to keep him in the hospital for a few days to monitor his condition before releasing him."
"That is good to hear, and I have two young men standing here that are going to be happy with that news."
"You tell them their Daddy is asking about them and will be seeing them soon."
"Bobby says your Daddy is doing fine and should be released from the hospital soon."
"Can we talk to him?" Dean asked.
"He's on heavy pain meds and is in and out right now. I'll have him call when's he more alert."
"Your Daddy will call when he's feeling better. Now you two go on in the kitchen and get your snack so I can finish talking to Bobby."
"Okay, come on Sammy," Dean replied, grabbing Sammy's arm and pulling him toward the kitchen.
"I'm going to stay until John is released and then swing by to pick up the boys before heading back to Sioux Falls."
"Do you think John will take the time to heal?"
"I don't think he has a choice. I'm not letting him take those boys on the road if he's not one hundred percent."
"Maybe he'll listen to you and won't be so stubborn and hardheaded."
"We'll see. I better go and check on John. I'll give you a call when he gets released and we'll be heading your way."
"Alright Bobby. I'll have a good homecooked meal waiting on you."
"I'll be looking forward to that. You were always a great cook."
"And you should have come by more often to enjoy it. Take care and tell John not to worry about his boys, they are fine with me."
"I will. Goodbye."
Missouri hung up and headed into the kitchen to check on the boys.
Spn
"Are you sure that they're on schedule?" Dean asked as he looked out the window again to see if Bobby was there.
"Lands sakes child, you need to learn a little patience," Missouri chastised him. "They will be here shortly."
"Is Dad really okay?" Sammy asked looking hopefully at Missouri.
"Yes, he is Samuel. He wouldn't have been released from the hospital if he wasn't doing okay."
"Dad doesn't like hospitals," Dean commented. He looked toward the door when a familiar rumbling sounded from outside. Dean jumped up and raced for the door with Sammy close behind him. They ran outside as the Impala pulled up and stopped by the house. "Dad!" Dean cried out.
"Dad!" Sammy joined in as they rounded the car and jerked the passenger door open so John could get out.
"Boys, it's good to see you," John smiled at them, grimacing as they hugged him tightly.
"Boys, be careful with your Daddy," Bobby told them.
"Let me help you inside," Dean told John putting an arm around his waist and guiding him toward the door.
"I want to help," Sammy pouted.
"Why don't you get your Daddy's bag," Bobby suggested. "His pain meds are in there and he needs another dose."
"Okay," Sammy replied grabbing the bag from the back. He hurried after Dean and John with Bobby trailing along behind him.
"We're in the kitchen," Missouri called to them. "I've got tea or coffee ready if anyone would like some."
"Coffee sounds good to me," Bobby sighed as he sat down across from John. "Sam, let me have your Daddy's bag so I can get his meds out."
"Okay Bobby," Sam replied sitting the bag in front of him. He went around the table and sat on the other side of their father, scooting closer to him.
"Dad, are you really okay?" Dean asked when he saw the pinched look on his face.
"Yeah, Dean, I'm fine," John assured him, patting his arm.
"Take these," Bobby instructed holding out his hand with pills in it.
"I got them," Dean said. He took the pills and gave them to John so he could take them.
"Boys, why don't you help me set the table and get the food out so we can eat?"
"Okay, do you need anything Dad?" Dean asked.
"No, go help Missouri son," John told him.
"I glad you're back," Sammy mumbled to him, hugging his neck before going to help Missouri.
"I'm glad Dean called you," John told Bobby as he watched his boys helping Missouri.
"Well, you need to listen to the doctor and take some downtime so you can finish healing," Bobby told him. "Those boys need you and you should spend some quality time with them. Be a family for a while."
"You know, that sounds good. You're sure we won't be in the way?"
"I wouldn't have offered if that were the case. We'll stay here until tomorrow and head out for Sioux Falls."
"That sounds good and thank you."
"Use this time wisely John," Missouri told him, patting his shoulder in passing. "Your boys have missed you and they need to know you're going to be okay."
"I am going to try," John nodded sighing softly. "I'm going to try," he repeated looking at his sons knowing what they told him was true. His boys needed him.
Carry On…
The End