Brooklyn

Dean was inside of a drive in called "Lost In The 50's". It was small and defiantly took you back to the 50's. Although he hadn't asked me what I wanted to eat, I knew he'd return with something for me.

Ever since the whole "Meant to be" thing with Cas, Dean hasn't really been talking to me. Maybe a few word here or there, but the jokes and conversations had stopped all together.

Sam was helpful in the respects of trying to get Dean to talk to me, but actually getting him to have a conversation with me. That was no luck.

My butt has been planted in the backseat, my hands working on a Rubik's Cube that I picked up at a dollar store. Sam was on the phone with someone, hopefully finding us a case. And Dean was returning to the car with three bags of food and a drink case with three drinks in it.

Dean practically tossed the bag of food through my window, making me quick pay attention and grab it. He handed me the drink, not saying a word as he got into the car.

"Who is it?" Dean asked his younger brother with a whisper. Sam quick put his finger up to Dean, still talking to the person on the phone. "No, listen to me. I said hang tight."

Sam hung up his cell, letting out a sigh before looking to Dean, "We got to get."

Looking at Sam confused, Dean motioned to his burger that still hadn't been taken out of the bag, "Can I at least finish my burger?"

"We got a vamp kill, Dean – Carencro, Louisiana."

Dean looked off, smiling slightly, "Huh. It's been a while since I've had some étouffée. Who's the source?"

"Martin Creaser," Sam said as I take my own burger out and take a giant bite. My face scrunches up slightly as I pull away from the burger, lifting up the top bun to find my least favorite thing. Pickles.

There is a long pause as the two brothers look at each other, but as if me picking my pickles off was the release, they started to speak up again.

"Sorry; for a minute there, I thought you said Martin Creaser." Sam's silence gives Dean his answer as I just watch from the backseat. The name doesn't sound familiar, so I make a mental note to but in and ask. "Crazy Martin from the loony bin?"

"Glendale Springs discharged him last month," Sam said, trying to justify that this guy was literally in the loony bin.

I leaned forward a bit, finally butting in, "Who's Martin?"

"And? Shouldn't he be assembling toys in a padded room? What's he doing back on the job?" Dean asked, completely ignoring my question.

Sam rolled his eyes and sent a side glare towards his brother as he looked at me. "Martin was an old friend of our dad. He's a hunter." With my question answered, I returned back into the backseat and took another bite of my burger.

Dean waited for his question to be answered, watching as Sam focused back on him. "Look, he called me when he got out, okay, asked if I had anything for him that might help him ease back into the game. He seemed okay, mostly, so I said yes. I've had him tracking Benny for the past week."

I almost spat out my food at the mention of Benny. We're really still on that subject? I thought we dropped the Benny subject four states over?

In disbelief, Dean turned his body to his younger brother, "You put "mostly okay" Martin on Benny? What is "mostly okay" doing hunting at all?"

As much as I'm pissed at Dean right now, I had to admit that he had a point.

Once again, Sam try to justify his old friend. "Not hunting, Dean, tracking. Observe and report only. I was crystal clear about that."

Dean shook his head as he returned his body to normal, staring out the front window, "Wow. I can't believe that."

My eyes moved to Sam, seeing the confused anger he had. I waited for him to speak, hoping he'd clarify why a hunter is out for Benny. "Really, Dean? You don't believe that? Because Benny's a vampire. And any hunter worth his salt isn't gonna let one just walk around freely. So I had Martin keep tabs on him. And right now, it's looking like I made the right call."

I quickly poked up head back up to the front seat, "Wait, so this Martin guy is saying that Benny killed someone?"

Sam nodded, looking between me and Dean who was now looking at his brother. There was a small pause before Dean spoke up again, "Okay."

My head quickly turned to the oldest Winchester, "Okay? What the hell does "okay" mean?" Though I didn't mean to sound so rude, it kind of came out that way.

To my surprise, Dean looked at me, "It means that if Benny's in Louisiana draining folks, we should look into it."

My mouth drops slightly in shock as my butt pants back into the backseat once again. I watch as Dean starts the engine with a pissed off look before driving away. Although I want to speak up for Benny and say that there is no way he's doing this, there's a part of me that is fearful that he might be.

Like Sam said, he is a vampire after all.

The car is quiet as we drive, Dean not even flipping on the radio like he usual does. Most days, I'd complain about the loud radio, but today I find myself wishing it was on to drown out my thoughts.

Rubik's Cubing and writing in a medium size journal only keep me busy for half the time, so sleep seems to be my only option. I kick my feet up and cuddle into the long seat in the back. My arm is used as a pillow while my jacket is laid over me for a blanket.

My eyes open a minute later when I hear what sounds to be someone starting a fire. I'm no longer in the Impala but am instead standing up by a brick wall. Everything has a faint red and orange glow to it. But my eyes can't make out any surroundings as a heavy fog sprints in.

"Dean! Sam!" I yell as my hand grips onto the brick wall, looking around. No one.

Suddenly, the brick wall next to me seems to turn to mud and a hand reaches out, grabbing onto me. A scream leaves my lips as I quickly yank my arm away. My feet kick into gear and I find myself running in any direction.

Within seconds of breaking into a run, the cement ground below me starts to turn to mud as well, sinking my feet in. I'm able to yank my feet out and continue a small sprint through the mud.

My vision is still covered by a fog, the only thing seeming to slip through is the orange and red color. My nose snatches the smell of burning flesh while my ears only hear distance scream that seem to be coming everywhere.

Another scream leaves my lips as a hand reaches up out of the mud, grabbing onto my let ankle. I try to pull away, struggling as another hand reaches up and grabs my other ankle. One by one, more hands reach up, seeming to yank me deeper and deeper into the mud.

"Dean! Dean!" I yelled, my hands trying to grasp onto anything solid but nothing like that exists.

"Wake up! Wake up!" I yell, hoping that this is a dream. Yet, my body doesn't jolt awake or gasp for air. Instead, I watch as the hands continue to drag me deeper into the mud. With one last yank, my mouth gasps for air before being submerged into the mud.

Within seconds of my whole body being under the mud, it's like I slip right through onto a hard ground. A groan leaves my lips as I hold my head with one hand, the other lifting me up a little.

Somehow, my tired legs find a way to raise me up to a standing position. My head looks around to only find darkness. But at the flash of red lightening, my eyes can pick up on bars. Another flash gives me the sight to see that I am behind the bars, in a giant cage.

Slowly, my feet turn my body to look around, stopping when I notice the outline of a man standing in the corner. The lightning flashes again but the figure continues to stay in the dark.

"Dean?" I ask, hoping that it's him. But my hopes leave me when the eyes of the man open and turn a bright red. My instant feeling is fear, causing my feet to rush towards the gate. My hands grip onto the bars as my eyes look up.

"Help! Someone, help! Please! Help!" I yell over and over as footsteps get closer and closer. Assuming that their coming from the man, I continue to look out the cage and yell for help.

Then the footsteps stop, but the feeling of someone's breath on my neck makes me shiver. My body is shaking with fear as a whimper leaves my lips. My eyes clench shut as my hands grip the bars like they'll save me.

Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder and a yank, letting a blood curdling scream leave my lips. Just like that, my eyes open and my body sits up, the scream following me out of my nightmare. Dean swerves the car at my scream and looks in the rearview mirror as Sam turns to look at me.

Panic and fear still race through my bloodstream, my body shaking as my eyes look around.

"Jesus Brooke, you almost made us go off the wall," Dean said, his eyes looking between the rearview mirror and the road up ahead. He must have seen the panic and fear because he slows the car down, "Are you okay."

My words sound like their racing out as I say, "Stop the car. Stop the car."

Dean pulls over on the side of a dirt road, the day is gone as the night has settled in. My hands grab onto the car door, struggling to get out of the backseat. When it finally opens, I almost trip as I race out.

I kick my feet into gear and race to the front of the car, looking ahead at the road in front of me. They stop but my heart is still racing as I suck in a deep, fresh air, breath. My body still feels like it's in panic mode, yet my body does not move from the spot I'm in.

"Brooke, are you okay?" Sam asked, his words seeming to come outside of the car.

I want to answer him, say I'm fine and that it was just a nightmare. But my nightmares have never been that bad before. Usually it's mostly flashback of Hell or Purgatory, but this nightmare was nothing like I had ever experience.

The words couldn't leave my throat.

My body jumps and I turn around when I feel a hand on my shoulder. Dean stands before me, looking at me worriedly while Sam stays back by the car, also looking worried.

"Brooke, what happened?" Dean asked, his voice soft and worried.

At first, I wonder if words will actually leave my mouth but as if Dean's touch was the trigger, I start to shoot out words. "I was, somewhere. There was brick wall, but then it was mud and a hand reached out and grabbed me. I ran but the floor turned to mud and hands just kept reaching out and grabbing me, yanking me under. I could smell burning flesh and hear screams. Then I was yanked under the mud and appeared in this cage. It dark and the only light seemed to be red lightening. There was a man in the corner, and all I could feel was fear. I screamed and yelled to wake up. For someone to help. But I didn't. Not until the man was right behind me. He grabbed me and yanked me back, and I woke up."

The words came out in a panic tone, my speed quickening and slowing at every other sentence.

Dean just stares at me at first, letting my words soak in before he takes a step towards me. He seems cautious at first, but when he sees that I'm not backing away, he does something that surprises both Sam and I.

He hugs me.

His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close as if he knew that the action would calm me. And it did. My breathing calmed, my heart slowed to a normal speed, and my shaking passed.

It was like I was sick and Dean was my medicine.

"Are you okay?" He whispered against me, feeling my body relax. I nodded, afraid that my voice still wasn't.

Dean staid like that for another ten seconds before releasing me, keeping his hands on my arms as he looked me over. It wasn't until I met his eyes did he seem to accept that I was better than I was before. He watched me closely as I turned and headed back to the car. Even Sam watched me cautiously, his face still showing the shock from before.

It wasn't until I got into the car did the boys join me, getting in and turning the key. Dean gave me one last look in the rearview mirror before driving off. My hand immediately went to my necklace, my fingers playing with it in a nervous habit.

Morning came a lot quicker than I thought it would, making me wonder how long I had actually been asleep.

The Impala drove past a sign that read "Welcome to Louisiana", confirming that we were close by. Sam quick pulled up the address, finding out that it was a rental apartment building, only a couple of miles away.

Silence filled the car until we pulled into a small town. Sure enough, on the corner of two roads sat a rental apartment building, big enough to hold three floors.

The three of us climbed out, a sign meeting out eyes that said "Beaudelaire Rooms". Dean nodded towards the sign, "This it?"

"Yeah, Martin says this is where he's been holding up," Sam said, checking the small paper he wrote the name on. He folded and shoved the paper back into his pocket before heading inside. We made our way up some stairs, onto the second floor before heading down a hallway.

Sam stopped in front of Room 2, raising his hand to knock on the door only for it to swing open. A short guy with black hair stood before us, his eyes looking crazy.

"You said look for an eruption. How's Mount Vesuvius?" Martin said before turning and walking into his room. I look at Dean and Sam strangely, unsure if this is such a good idea.

Either way, we walk in, closing the door behind us before Martin starts speaking up. "I got into town about a week ago. Up until last night, nothing. He's been clean."

"Doing what?" Dean asked?

"Just minding his own business. Working at the gumbo shack," He says before his eyes look towards me. "Who's that?"

Dean ignored Martin's question, moving back to the gumbo statement, "Benny's working at the gumbo shack?"

Martin nodded, "Yeah. Slinging hash, pouring coffee; the whole bit. Now, who's that?" He asked again, pointing to me.

"Brooke, hunter, with them," I stated, hoping I answered any questions that might pop up in this crazy guy's head. He simple nodded, taking my answers and focusing back on the brother. "And he may be Benny to you. Folks around here call him Roy."

Eyeing Martin, Dean asked, "Martin, you sure you're running on a full charge?"

Although Martin nods, his words stutter out like he just drank four five hour energies. "Y-yeah. L-l-little s-shock therapy in the morning, and I-I'm good to go," He snaps his fingers with a smile.

Martin was defiantly crazy, but that didn't stop me from asking questions. "You said that he was clear until last night. What happened last night?"

"So, I followed him home, just like every night. He turned up a path. I hear a scream. I catch up. Then, boom, there he is. The old coot that Roy was eyeballing at the joint, vamped."

Dean shook his head, raising a hand up to stop Martin, "Wait. Did you actually see Benny kill the guy or not?"

"I saw enough," Martin quickly stated, clearly fine with his answer while Dean and I weren't. Dean, though, was the first to speak up, "Well, then, how can you be sure it was Benny if you didn't actually see him do it?"

Martin pointed off, clearly a but annoyed and angry, "B-b-because I saw Benny turn up the path, and then two seconds later, I trip over a body with its throat ripped. Look, man, you-you ever hear of Occam's Razor? "Keep it simple, stupid"? It's not that complicated."

Dean shook his head, "There's a lot of holes, Martin."

Martin looked at the oldest Winchester confused, "Holes? The only holes we should be looking at are in the vic's neck."

To my surprise, Dean let out a sigh before looking at me, "This sound like the Benny you know?" I was caught off guard by his question, unsure of how to answer. Sure, Benny swore he was off the human stuff, but words don't always speak that loud.

Before I could answer Dean, Martin decided to speak up with a confused and astonished look. "The Benny you know? Say what?" He turned to Dean, gesturing over to Dean and I, "Why am I getting the distinct impression that your brother and this girl are vouching for a vampire?"

Martin's comment made Dean focus strictly on him, his feet taking a step towards him. Sam quickly took a step towards the two men, "Guys, let's not argue."

"Nobody's arguing, but if this is Benny, and that's a big "if"-" Dean started but Martin quickly put his two cents in. "Oh, it's him."

Dean continued, "Brooke and I got history with the guy, okay? We're not signing up for a witch hunt." He turned to his younger brother, "We owe him more than that."

Once again, there was Dean pulling me into a conversation before even taking my own thoughts on the deal. But, I was on Dean's side with this.

Martin starred at us with wide eyes, "What in God's great creation could a Winchester possibly owe a vampire?" He looked to Sam, as if hoping he would elaborate on this deal or tell him that he was wrong, "Am I hearing this right?"

Dean put his hand out, stopping Martin, "Look, until we get the facts, we stow the bloodlust and we work this case right, or we work it separately."

"Doing it right would be separating his head from his shoulders," Martin said. He was starting to get on my nerves. So much so that I couldn't help but comment, "We get it. You want to kill him right off the bat. But we're not doing it that way, so drop it."

Looking at me with shock and disbelief eyes, Martin shook his head and started to pace. Dean side glanced at me before looking to Sam, "Brooke and I just need some time, Sammy."

Pulling me in again.

"Oh, yeah. Let the fang take another life? I don't think so," Martin spoke up.

Sam ignored the crazy man, looking at us, "How much time do you guys need?"

"Couple hours, tops," Dean nodded. This caused Martin to stop pacing and cross his arm, "And what if it turns out to be Benny?"

Dean spoke up with annoyance, trying to keep his cool as he rose his voice. "Then it's Benny, and we'll deal with it!"

My eyes looked to Sam, watching he looked between Dean and me, hopefully seeing the hope in my eyes. He let out a sigh before looking at his brother, "Couple hours, Dean. No more."

Nodding, Dean said, "I'll be in touch." He turned his body, his hand gesturing me to follow him as we headed for the door. Martin tried to stop us, but failed when I closed the door behind me.

Dean and I got into the car, ready to head to the café that Benny, or Roy, worked at. I still couldn't believe that Benny worked at a café. I mean, it's not like he looks like someone that would work there. In fact, he looks more like a returning customer that would end up getting everything except combo soup.

We pulled up to the café, reminding me more of dinner then anything.

Dean is the first to enter, a bell going off over our heads as we walk in. There's a couple of police officers sitting at one of the tables, glancing over at us we walk past them. A few other tables are filled with couples and loners.

The counter is free, which grabs Dean's eyes and he slides into one of the stools. I take the seat next to him as he looks around.

A brown haired lady walks over to us with a smile, her hands laying down some menu's but Dean stops her. "Actually, I already know what I want." He pointed over to the pie that sat on a platter, clicking his tongue with a smile.

My eyes roll as a small chuckle leaves my lips. My eyes catch the women's nametag as she starts to walk away. Elizabeth.

"Well, the special's pecan," Elizabeth yelled over her shoulder. "Let's do that," Dean said to her, making a small sigh when he realized that pecan was one of his least favorite pies.

Then again, Dean will eat anything that is contained in pie.

"You and your pie," I comment, smiling slightly as I look at the counter. I expect Dean to answer with some sly comment but instead nudges me with his elbow. I look up at him, following his eyes to the cash register where a picture is tapped.

It's a picture of a smiling Elizabeth and a smiling Benny.

"At least now we know we're in the right place," I mumble making Dean hum in response. Elizabeth walks over to us seconds later, laying her hands on the counter, "Bad news."

"You're out of pecan. Story of my life," Dean said, looking off on the counter before straightening back up. "Uh, that's all right. Maybe you can make it up to me. I'm actually looking for an old friend of mine. I heard he's kicking around these parts. His name's Roy."

Elizabeth's face forms a small confusion, "Well, Roy works the night shift here. I mean, if we're talking about the same Roy."

"I think so. He putts around in a beat-up camper. Thing looks like a rolling death trap," I speak up, letting the girl know that I was with Dean.

Letting out a laugh, Elizabeth nods, "Yeah, I thought I was the only one who gave him trouble over that piece of junk." Dean lets out a small laugh as well, "Yeah. You wouldn't happen to know where he's parking that thing these days, would you?"

Elizabeth thinks for a second before gesturing with her head out back, "Well, he was parking it out back, but just called to tell me he's gone up the road to Mill Creek for a few days."

"Did he say why?" I asked, my eyebrows furring in confusion.

"Fishing, I think. He really deserves a break. He's been working doubles for the last two weeks straight," Elizabeth said with a small smile.

"Um, listen, I'll tell you what," Dean starts and pulls out a piece of paper and pen, writing his name and number on it. "If he pops up before I can find him, you do me a favor and just have him give me a buzz." He slides the paper over to her, letting her pick it up with a nod, "Sure thing..." she looks at the paper, "Dean."

Dean nods and stands as the waitress points to me, "And your name?"

"Brooke," I said, making her nod, repeating the name so she had it stored away in her memory. I stood as well, causing Dean to point over to the pie, "All right. Take a rain check on that pie."

She smiles at him, "Definitely."

We head outside, my mouth opening to comment to Dean. "Looks like someone has a crush," I comment with a small smile, looking over to find him pulling out his cell. He lets out a sigh, his voice showing a bit of an annoyance, "Let's not go there right now, Brooke."

My eyes furry in confusion, my mouth ready to open and ask "What's going on?" But he's already dialing and holding his cell up to his ear.

There's a minute of silence, as we make our way to the car, stopping. Finally, Dean speaks up, "Benny. I got a body here in Carencro with two holes in it, and I just found out you went fishing. Do I need to tell you what this looks like?" He hangs up and looks at his cell for a second before shoving it back into his pocket.

He made his way over to the driver side while I stuck to the passenger side. My mind had already left the strange comment made back four steps. Now, my mind was on Benny.

"Dean," I started, making him stop and look up at me. "Do you really think this is Benny?" I asked, my heart breaking at the thought.

With a sigh, Dean looked at the ground, pausing before looking up at me, "I don't know." He slipped into the car, waiting until I climbed in before starting the car and heading out.

I didn't need to ask Dean where we were going, already figuring we were going to Miller Creek. Sure enough, Dean pulled up by the woods, getting out and heading towards the trunk. I joined him, watching as he popped open the secret compartment before grabbing a machete.

My own hand went to grab the other machete, but Dean's hand lightly grabbed my arm, stopping me. Even with his attitude towards me sour, he still managed to send goosebumps up my arm at his touch.

"You should stay back. I don't know what I'm going to have to do," Dean said, looking me straight in the eyes like it would stop me.

"Exactly," I said, grabbing the machete and releasing my arm from his grip before closing up the trunk. Dean let out a sigh, but said nothing more as we headed into the woods.

We followed a trail, leading deeper into the woods before stopping at a trailer. Sure enough, Benny was standing outside, washing blood off his hands in a bucket of water. He must have heard or sensed us, because he stops and speaks up, "It's not me."

Dean hides his machete behind his back, while mine just sits in my hand by my side.

"Now, which "me" are we talking about – Benny, or Roy?" Dean asked, causing Benny to turn and face us. I watch as his eyes move from Dean to the machete in my hands, back up to my face.

"Brooke," He nods. I simply nod back, "Benny."

Benny lets out a sigh as he grabs a towel, drying his hands as he says, "I'm just trying to blend in."

Dean doesn't hold back his suspicions, but I can tell he's trying to hold onto ever bit of hope he can grab. "Blend in? Who'd you plant, Benny?"

"Victim number two. If you're concerned about the missed calls, I didn't want to get you involved. Now," Benny starts and walks over to his own machete that is stuck in a stump. "You two want to safety that thing..." He nods to our machetes as his own hand reaches for his, "...talk a little bit or what?"

I set my machete down, leaning it against a tree right next to me while Dean just pulls his out from behind his back. He keeps a grip on it, but keeps it low.

"We're all ears, Benny," I comment, making him pause before pulling his hand away from the machete. He lets out a sigh as he sets the towel down. He starts to explain, "Rogue vamp. Came into the café a couple nights ago. Youngster goes by the name of Desmond. He, uh, he remembers me from the good old days."

"The good old days?" Dean asked, tilting his head like he didn't understand. Yet, we were both there when Benny told us his history story.

"I know it's hard to believe, but I haven't always been this cute and cuddly," Benny comments. In any other situation, I would have cracked a smile, maybe even a laugh, but today I couldn't. "He's chasing a memory, Dean. That's all. He's crewing up a new nest. He's hoping I can give him some cred. I told him no."

I nod, "Okay. So far, so good. But let's focus on the blood," I nod to the water that is now a shade of red from the blood he washed off.

"Didn't want to take no for an answer. He's trying to roust me out, leaving dead bodies in my wake till I sign up. Two bodies in two days. No amateur is gonna kick me out of my hometown. Not this time."

My eyes furring in confusion, and when I glance at Dean I find the same reaction. Dean asks, "Hometown? You grew up here?"

Seems funny how it's gone full circle.

Benny nods, "Born and bred. With Andrea gone and you two hunting again, seemed like the right time for a homecoming- You three being the only ones who keep all my ducks in a row. Went back to my old job at the café. I even found someone to hold myself accountable to. Best kind of someone, Dean. Family."

Though Benny was mostly looking at Dean, when he mentioned the word family, his eyes seemed to glance at me before focusing back on Dean.

As if putting two and two together, my mouth let the single name roll out, "Elizabeth."

Dean took in a sharp breath before tucking his machete away. Benny watched before nodding with a small smile, "My great-granddaughter."

I could see Dean's stance turn into an uncomfortable one as he says in shock, "Really." He pauses for a second before asking, "Does she know?"

Benny quickly shook his head, "No. No, as far as she's concerned, I was just another drifter. I'd like to keep it that way. It's been tough walking the line here after all those years in Purgatory not having to deal with the hunger. But Elizabeth, she keeps me honest. Kinda like how Brooke does for you."

Dean only turned his head to glance at me, my eyes furring in confusion. What did that mean? What was he talking about?

The vampire must have seen this look and added, going back to the main subject, "I finally feel like I got a handle on this thing."

"Handle on things? Benny, you've got two stiffs on your hands and two hunters on your ass," Dean commented a bit angry. The confused look left my face at the change of the subject, yet that didn't stop me from making a mental note to talk to Dean later.

"Oh, please. The half-wit who found me at the café? I'll take my chances with him," Benny shrugged off, not caring to much about Martin.

"That half-wit was sent by my brother, and trust me, my brother's not someone you want to mess with," Dean said, actually saying something nice about his brother. I swear, these Winchesters have more nice things to say about each other when the other isn't around then when their face to face.

Benny continued, getting a bit annoyed, "I don't have time to worry about them, Dean. I didn't think Desmond had an ounce of steel in his spine, but I was wrong about that. So now I'm gonna do what I should have done two days ago, which is put him back where he belongs."

Dean took a step towards Benny, my eyes watching him, "You know there's only one way to do that, right? And that is for you to sit on the sideline while I convince Sam and Martin to go after Desmond. They see you out there, they don't care if you're gonna be collecting for the March of Dimes. They are gonna slice first and ask questions later. You know that."

Benny paused before looking at me, "You've been with these boys longer then I have. You really think he'll go for that?"

Dean turned and looked at me, both boys watching me as silence set in. My head looked down, already knowing that the answer would be a no. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the book. Don't forget to leave some comments so I know your out there. Please don't forget to vote and comment!