Freedom Lights

The investigation

I spent a good hour in the shower. Trying to rid myself of the events that had plagued me this weekend. The accident, Jake, all of it was too much to handle. After spending as much time as I could under cold water, I turned the faucet off and climbed out. My body felt like it was led and all I wanted to do was climb into bed and slip into the abyss of sleep.

I tried. I tossed and turned in my bed for what felt like hours until I finally gave up. Glancing at my bedside clock before getting out of bed, 2 a.m. Ugh. I have to be back at the shop at 7, Alex will be here at 6:30. I slowly tiptoed down the hallway and the stairs before realizing both the kitchen and the den lights were still on. Was Dean really still here?

I peek my head into the kitchen, which was empty. I silently wondered if dad was home yet. I silently walk to the den. The surroundings are not only puzzling, but surprising. My dad was sitting in his chair behind his desk, hunched over the paperwork sprawled out over it. But on the couch….

“What is he still doing here?” I whispered-shouted. Dad just glanced at me before turning his attention back to his desk.

“He was asleep when I came in. It would be rude to wake him.”

“How long have you been home?”

“Not long. I need a secretary.” His gaze shoots to me. I audibly growl at him. He better never think of pulling me out of the garage and sticking me in that shitty, stuffy office.

“Then hire someone. Don’t look at me. The only way I’ll ever swap oil changes for billing is if I’m six feet under.” I scowl openly at my father.

“I think I’m going to have to. But will you hold the interviews? Your people reading skills rival mine and I just..” The look on his face made me soften slightly. He was exhausted. The early spring alway loaded us up. People are out more, driving more, therefore running their cars more.

“Yeah I can do that. In fact, I’ll handle it all. I’ll have you a secretary before Jameson’s birthday.” Which was in a month and a half.

“Thanks.” He looks from me and to Dean and back to me, “Why was he here when I got home anyway? I thought he was just giving you a ride home?”

I huff, still irritated by Dean's actions, “He wanted to stick around. James conned him into playing cars, then when I went to bed he wanted to stay ‘just in case’.” I didn’t want to go into full detail of the whole argument from earlier. It wasn’t noteworthy anyway.

My dad surveyed me. My father wasn’t dumb. He knew there was some underlying tension between me and the dickhead cop on our couch. But as it seems, he was going to let it go for the night. Thank god.

“Well, I’m turning in. You can wake him if you don’t want James seeing him in the morning.”

I bit my lip. I really didn’t want him here when James woke up. So, I nodded as dad placed a kiss to the top of my head as he headed towards his room at the back of the downstairs hallway.

I slowly walked over to Dean, wanting to wake him slowly. Shaking him gently I whispered in his ear, “Winchester, hey. Wake up dude. Dad’s home.” No movement.

“Dean! Wake up!” I shook harder and he finally started to stir. I watched as his eyes slowly opened, instantly locking me in his gaze.

“What time is it?” He closed his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them.

“Just after two. You can go home. Dad’s here.”

Dean nodded, “Why are you awake?”

“Sleep wasn’t in my future. I came down to get some water, saw you passed out and dad at his desk. He just went to bed.”

“Alright….you doing alright?” He eyed me up and down, sending waves of heat where his gaze skimmed over my skin. I was in a loose ACDC t-shirt and black sleep shorts. Nothing important. But his gaze said otherwise. The heat in his gaze was piercing. There was no denying the s****l tension between us. But you bet your ass I was going to try.

“Fine.” I grunted and turned to the kitchen. I set to work on that water I desperately needed to quench my thirst and to distract me from the other thirst my body was craving.

I heard Dean groan as he sat up from the couch. I’m sure his position did nothing for his injuries. I turned back towards the den, “are you okay? I have some pain meds if you need them.”

Dean's surprised look caught me. I was without air in my lungs again.

“Nah, I’ll manage. I’ll take off as soon as I can stand again.” His face screwed up in pain and I quickly headed to the bathroom at the back of our house. Grabbing pain meds and my glass of water and walked toward him. Handing both to him, the mumbled thanks in between the grunts of pain as he adjusted, trying to alleviate the pain he was in.

I watched as he gulped down the meds and the water in two swigs. Watching his throat bob as he drank. Why was that so f*****g hot? I cleared my throat and turned away. My head was a mess, that’s what I'll blame my thoughts on. I mean, I’ve only known this man for 3 days, and he’s already worked his way into my defenses. He should have not been at the shop tonight. In fact….

“Why did Rufus call you? Why not call John? Or jody?” I turned toward Dean, crossing my arms over my chest.

Dean shrugged his shoulder, “well, that’s a question you’ll have to ask him but I’m pretty sure him and my dad don’t get along. And Jody was busy on patrol.”

“Neither were you.”

“Jody has obligations, I don’t. Maybe he knew I would be sulking at home with nothing else to do.”

“Is that what you were doing?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

Dean smirked, “No, I was at Roadhouse.”

“I’ve never seen you at Roadhouse?”

“You probably have, just never really looked. I’m there quite often actually. That’s where you were coming from when I pulled you over right? You pull some night shifts out there during the week.”

“How do you know that?” I narrowed my gaze on him.

“I did my research.” Insert megawatt smile here. Douchebag.

“Are you leaving anytime soon?”

“Do you want me to?”

My mouth dropped open slightly. Isn’t that what I’ve been telling him?

Without waiting for my reply, “Yes, I’m leaving. I’ll see you tomorrow at 1. Cas will be the one formally on the case but I’ll be there too.”

“Okay. Be careful going home.”

“Worried about my safety again, sweetheart?”

“No, just your cars.” I flashed him the same smile he keeps giving me, before turning on my heels and going back to the restless night of sleep I was sure would follow.

—————————————————————

“Hey watch where you're throwing wrenches little girl!” Rufus yelled at me as I cussed up the biggest storm I could from under the dodge pickup, whose oil pan wouldn’t come loose.

“Eat s**t Rufus, that’s what you get for calling the cops on me.” I rolled out from under the truck on my creeper, sitting up and sighing dramatically.

“I didn’t call the cops. I called Dean. He was off duty. And you need to WD40 those bolts or they’ll never come off.”

“Why did you call him by the way? Out of the millions of people to call, why him? And I’m out of 40. Hence why I haven’t done it yet.”

Rufus tosses me a can of PB Blaster at me before answering, “Knew he’d be the one to piss you off the most.” He smirked at me. Stupid bastard.

I rolled my eyes before sliding back under the truck and working the bolts on the oil pan. It was a while longer before I heard Rufus’ voice again.

“Everything okay after last night?”

I sighed heavily, “As okay as things will ever be I guess.”

“Wanna tell me what happened or do I have to hear it through the grapevine?”

“The grapevine is full of bullshit Rufus. You shouldn’t ever listen to it.” The bolts came loose, and I pulled the bucket under the pan and started to drain the oil.

“Alright fine, don’t tell me. I’m sure Judy will have the full story by bingo tomorrow night.” I scoffed loudly. Judy Davis and her group of church going groupies are the biggest gossipers in the town. And the ones who LOVE to run my name through the dirt.

“You really care about me don’t you? Like to act big and tough but you’re just a softie of a man.” I smirk at him.

“Now THAT is bullshit.” Rufus shakes his head and goes back under the hood of the old Cadillac he’s working on.

I jump up off my creeper, walking to the shop sink to try and get most of the oil from my hands. It works for the most part, but my hands will always have a dark tint to them thanks to the stain of motor oil and grease.

“Story time will have to wait till I get back from catching some criminals.” I wink at him and head to the front office.

“Tell Dean I said hi!” Rufus yells as I slam the office door. Smug bastard.

“Slam my door again, Remington, and I’ll fire your ass.” My dad was neck deep in paperwork again. Since I didn’t get much sleep last night, I had put an ad on our local job website for the town. I plan on looking through any applicants tonight after dinner. My dad didn’t belong in paperwork, he worked better with his hands.

“Always with the empty threats around here. I’m heading to the precinct. Anything you need while I’m out?”

“The strongest whiskey Ellen has.” My dad grumbled.

I smiled, “I'll make the stop. I put an ad out last night. Also plan to put one in the paper today while I’m out. I’ll start interviews this week too.”

That got my dad's attention, “What would I do without you?”

“Drown in dead trees and sorrow?” I smiled coyly at him.

“Go on, get. Don’t keep the pretty boy waiting too long. He’s as impatient as you are.”

“Do you know him? Like more than just cop vs. civilian?”

Dad sighs and leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. That must be where I learned that move, “A little bit yeah. If you remember, John used to host poker at his house when he was in town when you were little. Dean and Sam were always there. I’ve watched them both grow up from afar.”

“Why didn’t I know about them?”

My dad studied me silently, “John is….peculiar about who he lets around his family. I didn’t want to cross any line in setting up playdates or any of that s**t. Plus, that’s not either of our style.”

I hummed in acknowledgment to that. I still found it odd that the Winchester brothers and I managed to live in this small town most of our lives, the boys on and off thanks to their dad's military career, and never crossed paths until Dean pulled me over. Granted, in highschool and up until a year ago, I was in Jake land. Stupid douche wasted 7 years of my life.

No point in focusing on it now. Dean had somehow shown up on my radar and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

“Alright well, father of mine, I gotta scoot. I’ll be back with all requested items.” I wink at my dad before heading to my jeep and towards the precinct.

I walk through the glass double doors of the precinct and spot Kate in her usual spot behind the desk, too bad she doesn’t notice me because her attention seems solely focused on….Officer Novak??? I silently watch their conversation. The look on Kate’s face tells me she’s focused, so maybe they're talking about work, but the slight smile pulling at the corners of her mouth tells me whatever they are talking about, she’s enjoying the attention. I decide right then and there to not interrupt. Kate is….a loaded gun. She has a lot of spirit and drive but also has a lot of energy and some slight baggage. That being said, she's scared off most of the people in this town. Not a lot of people can handle her or they are quick to bore her. Kate needs someone to keep her on her toes but able to handle her whirlwind of emotions. I wonder if Castiel can do that? She seems intrigued by the mystery that surrounds him. But part of me thinks he’s a manilla sonofabitch and that will not fly for her. Only time will tell.

“You stand around creeping on people’s conversations for fun often?” The stupid EBM is back. Why is it every time he's around, my libido goes into overdrive and my body feels tingly? I really need to ditch this man, and quickly.

I spin around and smack Dean with my best ‘f**k off’ expression I can handle, “We gonna get this show on the road? I got engines to rebuild.”

“I was waiting on you, sweetheart.” Megawatt smile. I’m tempted to break his teeth so it's not so megawatt anymore.

Ignoring the way my lower regions want nothing more than to jump his bones, I turn towards the reception area and walk purposefully towards Kate and Novak.

“Sorry to interrupt, Novak, you wanted to see me?” The two break their conversation and Novak turns to me. Kate takes a second to shift her gaze and I shoot her a Can’t wait for that conversation sideways glance. She sticks her tongue out and turns toward her computer and starts working on whatever it is she works on.

“Ah yes, Miss Singer. Good to see you again. We have a full line up waiting for you. If you could follow me.” Castiel heads towards the double doors that lead to the back of the precinct. I know Dean is following us because I can friggin’ feel his presence.

Castiel leads us to a solid metal door and opens it, extending his arm for me to walk through the door. The room is dark, there’s an old computer on a desk in the back of the room but doesn’t look to be touched since the dark ages. The only light is coming through the two way mirror where there are six people standing along the wall in the interview room on the other side.

I inhale deeply, crossing my arms and walking toward the window. Castiel speaks from behind me, “Take your time. The driver is not in this line up and none of them really know why they’re here. Although, if you look closely enough, you can probably tell who was in the car. You’re just here to confirm our suspicions.” He claps my shoulder before going to stand next to Dean in the back corner of the room.

I eye the lineup, trying to recall the details I saw the night of the accident.

“Number three, that’s the passenger. I remember because he tossed his hand out the window and flipped the bird. On said bird was that godawful ring he’s still wearing.”

“You remember that?” Dean finally breaks the silence he’s held since we walked back to this room.

“I was hyper focused. I wanted to retain every piece of information on those shitbags.”

Dean just hums and I go back to studying the line.

“I need to see their forearms.”

“Why?” Castiel questions from behind me.

“The one that opened the car door has a tattoo on his forearm. It’s a name I think. Or maybe a bible verse. Definitely writing of some type. Is it possible to get them to flash their skin to us?” I keep my eyes trained on the line. I’m 77% sure I know who the douchebag we need is, but I want to be 100% before sending him to his doom.

Castiel walks next to me and presses a button I assume is an intercom, “Can everyone please roll up their sleeves and show both of your forearms.”

Guy number 5 rolls his eyes, “Screw you. PIG!” He spits at the window.

“That’s him.”

Both of the men look at me.

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah the way he said pig is the same voice that’s been in my recent nightmares. I know exactly what he sounds like.”

“You have nightmares about my accident?” I don’t want to look at him. I know it’s weird, but seeing someone fly across a road and get hurt pretty freaking badly thanks to some assholes with a superiority complex can mess a girl up.

I just shrug because he doesn’t need to know how badly that s**t scared me.

“Alright, would you like to stay for the questioning and the arrests?”

“You’re not worried about the fourth?”

“Nah, I’m sure someone will squeal. We’ll get all the passengers for aiding and abetting at least. The prick who hit me will get a lot more. Thank you for your help. You said you have engines to rebuild, right?”

I narrow my eyes at him but accept the excuse. I nod to the men and say my goodbyes before heading back to the front desk and have a quick chat with my dearest friend.

“Ugh, I knew I couldn’t escape the impending interrogation.” Kate sighs and lays her head on the desk in front of her.

“Now now, don’t act like this will be torturous for you. You and I both know you love giving dirty deets. So, spill. Novak. Speak.”

Kate inhales deeply before looking my way, “He’s interesting.”

“Annnnddd?”

“Annd I don’t know. Cute I guess? But he’s…..”

“A puzzle you need to figure out?”

“Exactly.”

I hum in response to her explanation. If anyone can tackle the enigma that is Castiel Novak, it would be her. I’m not very concerned for her, she can handle her own s**t. I just can’t wait to see how this pans out.

“Alright, I’m going back to my greasy corner. Have a great rest of your day, my love.” I wink and walk out the door, not allowing some sassy backtalk to come for me. I’m heading for my jeep when the crunch of gravel tells me I’m not alone.

“Hey, got a minute?” Jody comes chasing after me and I turn to grin broadly at her.

“I got all the time in the world for you Jo. What’s up?”

“You just did the lineup right?”

“Yeah, 98% sure I got ¾ guys and Dean said the fourth will follow. Why?”

Jody eyes me up and down before inhaling deeply, “No reason. Just wanted to see how you were doing.”

I turn my gaze to the ground and kick at the gravel at my feet, “Dinner tonight? And we can talk about it?”

Jody gives me a tight lipped smile, “Sure. You know I love you like one of my own. I’ll always have time for you and Jameson.”

“Thanks Jody. I appreciate everything you do for us.” I hugged her hard before getting in my jeep to head to The Roadhouse.