Don't Fear The Reaper

Chapter 10

We moved slowly toward this very modern, upscale home. The lawn was neatly tended, the hedges well-groomed, and the flowers looked beautiful.

"Not sure what I expected, but it wasn't this," Phil said.

"Mmm...true. Considering she's supposed to be a social worker and she's living in a house that probably costs what? A couple million? More? Little over budget, don't ya think? Daisy, why don't you do some more digging? I started it; look under a folder labelled DE," I said.

"Got it. You've got most of her stuff, and I see where you were going with it. I'll keep digging," Daisy said.

"Thanks."

"I'm about to let the drones out to take a peek around the area," Fitz said.

"Make sure to get infrared, too; use all the spectrums. I think she has this place warded to the extreme, and I'd like to see it."

"On it, Reeves," Fitz answered.

My phone rang with the Don't Fear the Reaper tone, and I grinned. Phil's brow rose. I raised a finger to him and answered, putting it on speaker.

"What's shakin' in the air tonight?" I asked.

"Phil Collins. Really, K? You think I would have that playing in Baby?" Dean scoffed. "That would be sacrilege."

I chuckled. "What do you think Sam and I listen to when you sleep?"

"Hey now! Don't bring me into this!" Sam barked.

I laughed. "Where are you? And have you spoken to Bobby?" I said, trying to steer the conversation a little.

"You think I'd let these idjits go on a hunt like this without me?" I heard Bobby's voice.

Excitement raced through me, and I was so happy. "Old man, good to hear your voice."

"Missed you too, sweetheart. I wasn't about to let these numbnuts let you go into a fight without me," Bobby said.

"Hey!" Sam and Dean chorused.

I chuckled. "I'm about to talk with the she-bitch. I'll have more info for you soon."

"Dammit, K. You couldn't wait for us?" Dean said.

"Just recon. Chill. I'll call you right after," I said.

"I really do hate you sometimes, Knox," Dean growled.

"I know." I hit the send button as Phil pulled us to a stop.

"You have a really odd little family," Phil said. His tone sounded full of regret and with a bit of wistfulness.

I didn't know what to say. I bit my lip. "And yet I wouldn't give them or you up for the world," I spoke softly as I reached for the door handle and got out before he could reply.

I stood staring at the house, knowing she knew someone was there. Wondering if she knew it was me. I cringed when I heard Phil's door close.

"Through the looking glass we go," I muttered and strode toward the front door.

The door opened before we got there. A woman who hadn't aged in all the years I'd known her stood there. To be sure, Desdemona Eris was a beauty for a woman trying to look in her late fifties. Probably about five-six, trim, with flowing black and silver hair to her waist. I almost stumbled at the sheer force of a woman standing there, and power rolled off her in waves.

"If it isn't little Knox Coulson," she said as a greeting, eyeing me before she turned her attention to my brother. "Phillip Coulson. I would have thought you dead by now."