1.16 Shadow

Dean (voiceover): Previously on Supernatural...
All scenes from 1.11 Scarecrow until otherwise noted.
Sam sits up from the bed, at hearing his dad's voice on the cell phone.
Sam: Dad.
John: Sam.
From 1.10 Asylum, Dean and Sam are shining flashlights around in the basement.
John: This is bigger than you think. They're everywhere.
From 1.02 Wendigo, Dean is talking with Sam in camp.
Dean: He wants us to pick up where he left off.
From 1.10 Asylum, Dean, with the EMG, and Sam with a flashlight and video recorder, searching the halls of the asylum.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): Saving people.
From 1.06 Skin, Dean and Sam searching the sewer for the shapeshifter, with a pile of skin next to Sam's face.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): Hunting things.
From 1.02 Wendigo, Dean talking with Sam in camp.
Dean: The family business.
Sam is talking with Dean while Sam's driving.
Sam: I don't understand the blind faith you have in the man.
Dean is looking astonished at Sam.
Dean is talking with Sam after they climbed out of the Impala.
Dean: You're a selfish bastard, you know that?
Sam starts walking away.
Dean: You just do whatever you want.
Dean is at the trunk, calling after Sam.
Dean: Hey, I'm taking off! I will leave your ass,
Sam shakes his head.
Dean: you hear me?
Sam watches him leave.
Sam (voiceover): That's what I want you to do.
Meg is talking with Sam at the bus station.
Meg: I'm Meg.
Sam: Sam.
Sam and Meg are talking by the side of the road, as they are hitchhiking.
Sam: So, where you headed?
Meg: No way I'm telling you.
Sam: Why not?
Meg: You could be some kind of freak.
Meg pulls out a knife and quickly slits the van driver's throat. He's choking and gagging as he bleeds out.
The blood swirls around and a silver orb appears in the middle of the liquid. She is talking to the blood, as a call.
Meg: It makes no sense. Hell, I could've taken them both. Why let them go?

Chicago, Illinois

EXT. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NIGHT
A sky-high view of downtown. "You Got Your Hooks in Me" by Little Charlie and the Nightcats starts playing.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Camera is focused on a wet sidewalk. A shadow of a young woman is seen, then the young woman, Meredith, is seen walking home. The music is playing on her iPod.

Music:

You got your hooks in me I tried to fight but I can't win

A tall, burly man bumps into her. She gives him a disgusted look and continues to walk.

Music:

You got your hooks in me

She comes to the corner and turns right, continuing to walk.

Music:

I tried to fight but I can't win

Shortly after turning the corner, her iPod starts skipping

Music:

I know I really ought... ... to... you...

Then it stops playing music. Meredith checks her iPod, then pulls one earbud out, and checks it again.
Meredith: Great.
She pulls the other one out. A faint, breathy whisper calls.
Whisper: Meredith.
A strong wind begins to blow around her. Garbage and leaves scatter everywhere
Whisper: Meredith.
She turns around.
Meredith: Hello?
Nobody answers. The voice is heard again, stronger.
Whisper: Meredith.
Meredith turns around and keeps walking. As she nears her apartment, the voice is heard once more calling her.
Whisper: Meredith.
She looks over her shoulder and sees the shadow of a man on the wall of a building. She begins to fast walk.
Whisper: Meredith.
Meredith once more looks back over her shoulder again. The silhouette begins to follow her. Meredith breaks into a run. She dashes across the street and finally reaches her apartment building. Panting, frantically, she grabs her keys and scrambles to find the right one. She finds the key and opens the door, then goes inside and slams it shut.

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT
Meredith bursts through the apartment door and locks it behind her. The alarm is beeping. She turns on the light and enters a code into the alarm system on the wall. The beeping stops.
Alarm System: System disarmed.
Meredith scrambles to lock each of her three locks. She enters another code.
Alarm System: System armed.
She takes a moment and just relaxes. She walks into the room, hanging up her jacket, and setting down her bag and keys. She goes to the kitchen to get a beer, closing the kitchen door after she walks back into the living room. Meredith heads for the answering machine and listens to the messages.
Kristen: Hey, Meredith. It's Kristen. You have to tell me what happened last night. Call me.
Meredith drinks. The beep sounds.
Derrick: Hey Meredith, it's Derrick. Where you been?
While Meredith listens to the message, the shadow begins as a swirling cloud of smoke to form on the wall of the apartment.
Derrick: I've been trying to get ahold of you. Cause I gotta, maybe somebody wants to meet you? Guess what. The only way to find out who that is.
It begins to morph into the silhouette of a tall, skinny creature.
Derrick: Call me back. So if you want to solve that mystery? Call me. Alright, bye.
Meredith presses a button. She drinks while listening. The creature's shadow slowly moves towards Meredith's shadow on the wall.
Girl: Hey Meredith! Listen, don't say I don't got your back. I know that guy ripped your heart out last time, but this one -
It sticks its long, sharp-nailed fingers through Meredith's chest. Meredith's blood splatters on the wall, her shadow spasms in death throes, and falls to the ground. The sharp-nailed shadow fingers start to pull back. The screen goes black.

EXT. APARTMENT - DAY
One Week Later
Music plays. Dean pulls the Impala up across the street from Meredith's apartment building, and cuts the engine. Music stops.

SHADOW

Dean gets out, dressed as an employee of the PF Alarm Systems company, and heads for the trunk. Sam, also dressed as an employee of the PF Alarm Systems company, is sitting in shotgun, reading the newspaper. He glances across the street at Meredith's apartment building before reading the paper once more. It reads: MANHUNT CONTINUES FOR STEALTH KILLER. Second murder in 2 months. He puts the newspaper down, and starts to climb out of the Impala.

Credit:

Starring JARED PADALECKI

Dean grabs a toolbox from the trunk of the car, slamming the trunk down.
Sam: All right, Dean.

Credit:

JENSEN ACKLES

Sam: This is the place.
Sam closes the door. Dean's joined him.
Dean: You know, I've gotta say Dad and me

Credit:

Guest Starring NICKI AYCOX (Meg Masters)

They walk towards the apartment.
Dean: did just fine without these stupid costumes.

Credit:

JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN (John Winchester)

Dean: I feel like a... high school drama dork.
Dean looks pointedly at Sam and smiles.

Credit:

Producer PETER JOHNSON

Dean: What was that play that you did? That- what was it?

Credit:

Supervising Producer PHIL SGRICCIA

Dean: Uh, Our Town. Yeah, you were good, it was cute.

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer JOHN SHIBAN

Sam: Look, you wanna pull this off or not?
Dean: I'm just sayin', these outfits cost

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer KIM MANNERS

Dean: hard-earned money, okay?
Sam: Whose?
Dean: Ours. You think credit card fraud's easy?
They turn at the corner, almost to the apartment.

INT. APARTMENT - DAY
The lock unlocks, and the door opens. The landlady, Mrs. Dunwiddy, Sam and Dean enters.
Sam: Thanks for lettin' us look around.

Credit:

Executive Producer McG

Mrs. Dunwiddy: Well, the police said they were done with the place, so...
She and Sam move further into the room. Dean shuts the apartment door and notices the chain on the door is broken.

Credit:

Produced by CYRUS YAVNEH

The camera zooms into the broken chain. Dean follows Sam. In the living room, spots of blood cover the carpet. The camera pans up from the floor to Mrs. Dunwiddy and Sam, followed by Dean.
Mrs. Dunwiddy: You guys said you're with the alarm company?

Credit:

Created by ERIC KRIPKE

Dean: That's right.

Credit:

Written by ERIC KRIPKE

Mrs. Dunwiddy: Well, no offense, but your alarm's about as useful as boobs on a man.

Credit:

Directed by KIM MANNERS

Dean gives Sam a look.
Dean: Well, that's why we're here. To see what went wrong and stop it from happening again.
Dean looks down at her and nods. She nods back to him. Dean heads for the windows to look them over.
Sam: Now, ma'am, you found the body?
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Yeah.
Sam: Right after it happened?
Sam heads for a different set of windows to check them over.
Mrs. Dunwiddy: No. Few days later. Meredith's work called. She hadn't showed up. I knocked on her door. That's when I noticed... the smell.
Dean: Any windows open? Any sign of break-in?
Mrs. Dunwiddy: No, windows were locked, front door was bolted. Chain was on the door. We had to cut it just to get in.
Dean: And the alarm was still on?
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Like I said, bang-up job your company's doin'.
Dean: Mmhmm. You see any overturned furniture, broken glass, signs of struggle?
Mrs. Dunwiddy shakes her head.
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Everything was in perfect condition.
She glances down.
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Except Meredith.
Sam turns from inspection of the window.
Sam: And what condition was Meredith in?
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Meredith was all over. In pieces. The guy who killed her must have been some kind of a whackjob. But I tell you, if I didn't know any better, I'd have said a wild animal did it.
She nods. Dean stands up from the floor where he was looking at the blood splatters. He looks at Sam. Sam turns to Mrs. Dunwiddy.
Sam: Ma'am, do you mind if we take some time? Give this place a once-over?
Mrs. Dunwiddy: Oh, go right ahead. Knock yourself out.

INT. APARTMENT - LATER
Dean opens his toolbox and removes the EMF meter from a red scrap of material.
Dean: So, a killer walks in and out of the apartment-no weapons, no prints, nothin'.
Dean turns the EMF meter on.
Sam: I'm tellin' ya, the minute I found that article, I knew this was our kind of gig.
The EMF meter beeps frantically. Sam has his EMF meter turned on as well.
Dean: I think I agree with you.
Sam: You say you talked to the cops?
Both boys stand up, ready to scan.
Dean: Uh... yeah.
Dean starts to walk around, taking readings. Sam is on the other side of the room, also getting readings from his EMF meter.
Dean: I spoke to Amy, the, uh, charming, perky officer of the law.
Sam: Yeah? What'd you find out?
Dean: (dreamily) Well, she's a Sagittarius. She loves tequila, I mean... whew. Oh, and she's got this little tattoo-
Sam's frustrated with Dean, and wanting him to focus.
Sam: Dean!
Dean turns around to face Sam.
Dean: What? Yeah. Uh, nothin' we don't already know. Except for one thing they're keepin' out of the papers.
Sam: Hm?
Dean: Meredith's heart was missing.
Sam is surprised and confused at this piece of information.
Sam: Her heart?
Dean: Yeah. Her heart.
Sam: So, what do you think did it to her?
Dean: Well, the landlady said it looked like an animal attack. Maybe it was. Werewolf?
Sam: No, no werewolf, the lunar cycle's not right. Plus, if it was a creature, it would've left some kind of trace. It's probably a spirit.
Dean observes the blood on the carpet and seems to notice something.
Dean: Hnnn... See if you can find any masking tape around.
He looks up at Sam.

INT. APARTMENT - LATER
Dean uses the black masking tape to connect each pool of blood. When he is done, the pieces of tape form an unusual symbol. Sam stands back, watching. Dean stands up to look at what he'd done.
Sam: Ever see that symbol before?
Dean: Never.
Sam: Me neither.
They exchange a look. "Pictures of Me" by The Vue starts playing. The camera pans in tighter to the symbol on the carpet.

MEG

INT. FIREHEAD BAR - NIGHT
Pool table breaks, crowd noises at the bar. Dean is flirting with the attractive bartender.
Dean: Really? You were a gymnast for five years?
Bartender: Wouldn't lie.
She laughs.
Dean: Well.
She responds indistintly. Sam enters and looks around.
Bartender: I'm here every night until 3.
Dean: Thanks.
Dean notices Sam and takes one last drink, then smiles at the bartender and leaves.

Music:

I want to step on your hands and cut the rope

Dean: See ya.
At the other side of the room, Sam finds an empty table and sits down, taking out his father's journal.

Music:

And the twine tangled into your mind, love On the outside on the hillside We can play with the paste all night

He opens the newspaper article he'd been reading earlier. Shortly, Dean makes his way across the bar and sits down across from him.
Dean: I talked to the bartender.
Sam: Did you get anything?
Sam glances up at Dean and back down.
Sam: Besides her number?

Music:

Photos of myself

Dean: Dude. I'm a professional. I'm offended that you would think that...

Music:

Only of myself

Sam gives him a knowing look.
Dean: All right, yeah.
He chuckles and holds up a napkin with the bartender's phone number on it.

Music:

Only of myself

Sam: You mind doin' a little bit of thinking with your upstairs brain, Dean?

Music:

Oh, and it helps, 'cause I know what I want

Dean: Huh? There's nothing to find out. Meredith worked here, she waited tables, everyone here's her friend. Everybody said she was normal. She didn't do or say anything weird before she died, so...

Music:

And it helps, 'cause I know I want

Dean: What about that symbol, you find anything?
Sam: Nope, nothing. It wasn't in Dad's journal or in any of the usual books. I just have to... dig a little deeper, I guess.

Music:

Come with me and we can jump up there, love Well, I'll be jumping on the flower beds

Dean: Well, there was a first victim, right? Before Meredith?
Sam: Right. Yeah.
Sam pulls out a newspaper clipping concerning the first death.
Sam: His name was, uh-his name was Ben Swardstrom.

Music:

On the outside on the hillside We can play with the paste all night

Sam hands the clipping to Dean. Headline reads: CHICAGO MAN MURDERED INSIDE HOME.

Music:

Photos of myself

Sam: Last month he was found mutilated in his town house. Same deal-the door was locked, the alarm was on.
Dean: Is there any connection between the two of 'em?

Music:

Only of myself

Sam: Not that I can tell. I mean, not yet, at least. Ben was a banker, Meredith was a waitress. They never met. Never knew anyone in common. They were practically from different worlds.

Music:

Only of myself Oh, and it helps, 'cause I know what I want

Dean: So, to recap, the only successful intel we've scored so far is the bartender's phone number.
Dean smirks. Sam notices someone at the other side of the room. Dean looks around.
Dean: What?

Music:

And it helps

Sam gets up and begins walking away. Dean turns around on his chair to see what Sam's up to.
Dean: Sam?

Music:

'Cause I know I want

Sam continues to walk away, very focused across the room. He reaches another table, where a young woman with short blonde hair is seated with her back to him. He puts his hand on her shoulder, and she turns around. It is Meg.

Music:

Well, we talked about you and we've heard about you

Sam: Meg!

Music:

In the hearts of the magazines

Meg: Sam!
Sam looks at her in surprise and confusion.

Music:

And all the soft frank glances...

The screen goes black.

INT. BAR - NIGHT
"The New World" by X is playing. Sam is still with Meg at her table.
Meg: Sam! Is that you? Oh, my gosh!
She stands up and they hug. Sam looks puzzled. They pull away a few seconds later.
Meg: What are you doing here?

Music:

Honest to goodness, the bars weren't open this morning

Sam: I'm just in town, visiting friends.
Meg pointedly looks around.

Music:

They must have been voting for a new president of something Do you have a quarter? I said, "Yes" because I did,

Meg: Where are they?
Sam: Well, they're not here right now, but I - what about you, Meg? I thought you were goin' to California.

Music:

Honest to goodness, the tears have been falling all over this country's face It was better before, before they voted for 'What's his name' This is suppose to be the new world

Dean comes up behind Sam.
Meg: Oh, I did. I came, I saw, I conquered. Oh, and I met... what's-his-name... something Michael Murray, at a bar.
Dean is curious, watching her. Sam is confused.
Sam: Who?

Music:

It was better before, before they voted for 'What's his name'

Meg: Oh, it doesn't matter. Anyway, the whole scene got old, so... I'm... living... here for a while.
Meg smiles. Dean clears his throat, but he is ignored.

Music:

This is suppose to be the new world

Sam: You're from Chicago?
Meg: No, Massachusetts. Andover. Gosh, Sam, what are the odds we'd run into each other?
Sam: Yeah, I know, I-I thought I'd never see you again.

Music:

Flint Ford

Meg: Well, I'm glad you were wrong.

Music:

Automobile, Alabama

Sam gives a puzzled smile. Dean clears his throat again, louder this time.

Music:

Windshield Wiper, Buffalo, New York

Meg: Dude, cover your mouth.
Sam: Yeah, um, I'm sorry, Meg. This is, um...

Music:

Gary, Indiana, don't forget the Motor City

Sam smiles.
Sam: this is my brother, Dean.

Music:

Baltimore and DC, now all we need is

Meg is surprised, with her mouth dropping open.
Meg: This is Dean?
Dean smiles.
Sam: Yeah.

Music:

Don't forget the Motor City

Dean: So, you've heard of me?

Music:

This is suppose to be the new world

Meg: Oh, yeah. I've heard of you. Nice-the way you treat your brother like luggage.
Sam smiles in remembrance. Dean looks confused.

Music:

Don't forget the Motor City

Dean: Sorry?
Meg: Why don't you let him do what he wants to do? Stop dragging him over God's green earth.

Music:

This is suppose to be the new world

Sam: Meg, it's all right.
Awkward silence as Dean and Meg look at each other. Dean whistles lowly.
Dean: Okay, awkward.
Dean gives a few chuckles.
Dean: I'm gonna get a drink now.
Dean gives Sam a look, then walks over to the bar. Meg and Sam watch Dean go, before looking back at each other.

Music:

All we need is money, just give us what you can spare Twenty or thirty pound of potatoes,

Meg: Sam, I'm sorry. It's just-the way you told me he treats you... if it were me, I'd kill him.
Sam: It's all right. He means well.
Sam nods. Meg nods.

Music:

or twenty or thirty beers

Meg: Oh, we should hook up while you're in town.
Sam: Yeah.

Music:

A turkey on Thanksgiving like alms for the poor

Meg: Could show you a hell of a time.
Sam: You know what, that sounds great. Why don't you, uh-why don't you give me your number?

Music:

All we need are the necessities and more

He takes out his cell phone and gets ready to input Meg's number.

Music:

It was better before, before they voted for 'What's his name'

Meg: 312-555-0143.

Music:

This is suppose to be the new world

Sam: You know what, I never got your last name.
Meg: Masters.
Sam: Masters?
Meg: So, you better call.

Music:

It was better before, before they voted for 'What's his name'

Sam: Scout's honor.
Another pause.

Music:

This is suppose to be the new world

Meg: I hope to see you around, Sam.
Meg smiles at him. Sam smiles at her and walks away.

EXT. BAR - NIGHT
Crowd standing just outside.
Woman: Yeah, yeah. Come back inside.
Dean and Sam are coming out of the bar, and walking back to the car. Dean's upset, Sam is contemplative.
Dean: Who the hell was she?
Sam: I don't really know. I only met her once. Meeting up with her again? I don't know, man, it's weird.
Dean: Well what was she saying? Huh? I treat you like luggage? What, were you bitchin' about me to some chick?
Sam: Look, I'm sorry, Dean. It was when we had that huge fight when I was in that bus stop in Indiana. But that's not important, just listen for a second-
Dean: Well, is there any truth to what she's saying? I mean, am I keeping you against your will, Sam?
Dean looks back at Sam, who's looking at Dean.
Sam: No, of course not. Now, would you listen?
Dean: What?
Dean turns around to face Sam completely, both of them stop walking.
Sam: I think there's somethin' strange going on here, Dean.
Dean: Yeah, tell me about it. She wasn't even that into me.
Sam: No, man, I mean like our kind of strange. Like, maybe, even a lead.
Dean: Why do you say that?
Sam: I met Meg weeks ago. Literally on the side of the road. And now, I run into her in some random Chicago bar? I mean, the same bar where a waitress was slaughtered by something supernatural? You don't think that's a little weird?
Dean: I don't know, random coincidence. It happens.
Sam: Yeah, it happens, but not to us. Look, I could be wrong, I'm just sayin' that there's something about this girl that I can't quite put my finger on.
Dean smirks.
Dean: But I bet you'd like to. Maybe she's not a suspect, may-maybe you've got a thing for her, huh?
Sam rolls his eyes and laughs.
Dean: Maybe you're thinkin' a little too much with your upstairs brain, huh?
Dean points to his head, then indicates down below, and grins. Sam smiles, but becomes serious again.
Sam: Do me a favor. Check and see if there's really a Meg Masters from Andover, Massachusetts, and see if you can't dig anything up on that symbol on Meredith's floor.
Dean: What are you gonna do?
Sam takes a breath.
Sam: I'm gonna watch Meg.
Dean: (laughing) Yeah, you are.
Sam: I just wanna see what's what. Better safe than sorry.
Dean: All right, you little pervert.
Dean turns away.
Sam: Dude.
Dean: I'm goin', I'm goin'.
Dean crosses the street. Sam turns to head back to the bar.

RESEARCHING AND WATCHING

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT and INT. IMPALA - NIGHT, alternating
A notebook has notes concerning the symbol. The camera pans over to the computer's researching Meg to focus on the cell phone. Dean looks at the computer, picks up his cell phone and dials a number.
Sam is parked outside Meg's apartment, in the Impala. It's raining. The phone rings, Sam jumps. Sam checks the number, then he picks up. He keeps occasionally checking Meg's window.
Sam: Hey.
Dean: Let me guess. You're lurkin' outside that poor girl's apartment,
Dean (voiceover): aren't you?
Sam: No.
Dean waits for another response. Sam rolls his eyes.
Sam: Yes.
Dean: You've got a funny way of showin' your affection.
Sam: You find anything on her or what?
Dean (voiceover): Sorry, man, she checks out.
Dean: There's a Meg Masters in the Andover phonebook.
Dean (voiceover): I even pulled up her high school photo.
Dean: Now, look, why don't you go knock on her door and, uh, invite her to a... poetry reading, or whatever it is you do. Huh?
Dean has a hopeful look on his face. Sam is shaking his head, and ignoring his comment.
Sam: What about the symbol? Any luck?
Dean (voiceover): Yeah, that I did have some luck with.
He looks down at his research.
Dean: It's, uh... Turns out it's Zoroastrian. Very, very old school, like two thousand years before Christ. It's a sigil for a Daeva.
Sam: What's a Daeva?
Dean (voiceover): Translates to "demon of darkness".
Dean: Zoroastrian demons, and they're savage, animalistic, you know, nasty attitudes
Dean (voiceover): kind of like, uh... demonic pit bulls.
Sam: How'd you figure that out?
Dean (voiceover): Give me some credit, man.
Dean: You don't have a corner on paper chasin' around here.
Sam: Oh, yeah? Name the last book you read.
Dean thinks, and then concedes the point.
Dean: No, I called Dad's friend, Caleb. He told me, all right?
Sam: Yeah.
Sam smiles, and glances up at Meg's dark bedroom window.
Dean (voiceover): Anyway, here's the thing-these Daevas, they have to be summoned, conjured.
Sam: So, someone's controlling it?
Dean: Yeah, that's what I'm sayin'. And, uh, from what I gather, it's pretty risky business, too.
Dean (voiceover): I mean, uh, these suckers tend to bite the hand that feeds them.
Dean: And, the uh, the arms, and torsos.
Sam: So what do they look like?
Dean (voiceover): Well, nobody knows. I mean nobody's seen 'em for a couple of millennia.
Dean: Summoning a demon that ancient? Someone really knows their stuff. I think we've got a major player in town. Now, why don't you go give that girl a private strip-o-gram?
Sam: Bite me.
Dean: No, bite her.
Dean (voiceover): Don't leave teeth marks, though, just enough to where-
Sam hangs up.
Dean: Sam? You-?
Dean hangs up his own phone.
Sam glances back up at Meg's window. A few seconds later, a light turns on. Meg enters her bedroom, wearing a black lace bra. Sam looks around uncomfortably, then continues to watch Meg. A siren is heard. She puts on a maroon T-shirt. Sam is interrupted by someone clearing their throat. He turns and sees a woman standing outside the car, looking annoyed. She gestures to the window.
Sam: I'm - oh, no, no, no, I'm just-
Woman: Pervert.
She walks away angrily with her escort. Sam is stunned. He gives a huff. A second later, Meg leaves her apartment, now wearing a sweatshirt and jacket as well. She walks across the street, briefly glancing at the parked Impala. Once she is gone, Sam, who had been hiding, sits up. He gets out of the car and follows her by jogging. Scene fades out.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Scene fades in. A graffiti wall runs along the sidewalk. The neon sign says SAVE-ON decorating the store down the way. Lights line the wet street. Meg walks along and stops at one part of the graffiti-covered wall. She looks around before pulling open a door, which seems to be part of the wall. When she is inside, Sam peers out from behind a building. He jogs to the wall, finds the area she went through, and enters through the camouflaged door.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Sam enters and looks around carefully, walking along, and then climbing up a short flight of stairs. He reaches a door at the top, which he attempts to open, but it is locked. He looks around and sees a broken down elevator gate. He enters the gate, closing the door behind him, and looks up. After a minute in which he realizes he can climb it, he reaches up and begins to climb the side of it. He uses different crossbars as footrests, panting with effort. When he reaches the top, he is able to peer through the gate into a dimly lit room. There is a black altar in the middle of the room. Sam sees Meg enter and walk over to the altar, ducking out of sight. He keeps watching silently while hanging on to the bars of the gate. Meg reaches the altar and picks up a silver bowl filled with blood. She swirls her finger around in the liquid and speaks an incantation in Latin.
Meg: Tire quiero patem me a di.
She pulls her finger out of the blood. She then begins to speak to someone Sam can't hear.
Meg: I don't think you should come.
A short pause of strange whispering.
Meg: Because the brothers, they're in town. I didn't know that-
She is cut off. A long pause of strange whispering.
Meg: Yes, sir.
A moment pause.
Meg: Yes, I'll be here... waiting for you.
Sam looks confused. Meg sets down the bowl and blows out the candles at the altar, leisurely, one at a time, then turns around and leaves the room. The lock clicks. Once she is gone, Sam moves to the opposite wall of the elevator shaft, panting, where there is a space through which he can crawl. He checks to make sure she has gone, and then hoists himself up and climbs into the room. Sam walks to the altar and observes it. He sees two human hearts on pedestals, along with several types of bones, a skull, reddish pearls, a Tarot card, wax drippings, a small box, goblets, and one goblet filled with blood she had scryed with. In the middle of the altar is the Zoroastrian symbol, looking like a "Z", drawn in blood.
Sam: What the hell?
The screen goes black.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Sam enters and looks around for Dean. They see each other, crossing the room to come face to face.
Sam and Dean: Dude, I gotta talk to you.
They both tilt their heads quizzically at the other one.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT, LATER
Dean walks into the room, and crosses over to the other side of the room.
Dean: So, hot little Meg is summoning the Daeva?
Sam: Looks like she was using that black altar to control the thing.
Dean: So, Sammy's got a thing for the bad girl.
He smiles and chuckles. Sam rolls his eyes.
Dean: And what's the deal with that bowl again?
Sam: She was talking into it. The way witches used to scry into crystal balls or animal entrails. She was communicating with someone.
Dean: With who? With the Daeva?
Sam: No, you said those things are savages. No, this was someone different. Someone who's giving her orders. Someone... who's comin' to that warehouse.
Dean thinks for a moment and glances at some files on a nearby table. He sits down at the table and looks through them. He looks up at Sam in shock.
Dean: Holy crap.
Sam: What?
Dean: What I was gonna tell you earlier. I, uh, pulled a favor with my-
He clears his throat.
Dean: friend, Amy, over at the police department? The complete records of the two victims. We missed somethin' the first time.
Sam: What?
Sam comes over to look at the records in front of Dean.
Dean: The, uh, first victim, the old man? Spent his whole life in Chicago, but he wasn't born here. Look where he was born.
He points to something on the page.
Sam: Lawrence, Kansas.
Dean: Mm-hmm.
He closes the first file, picks up the second file and opens it.
Dean: Meredith, the second victim-turns out she was adopted. And guess where she's from.
The paper reads "Lawrence, Kansas". Dean watches Sam. Sam sits down across from Dean, clearly shocked. Sam exhales.
Sam: Holy crap.
Dean: Yeah.
Sam: I mean, it is where the demon killed Mom. That's where everything started. So, you think Meg's tied up with the demon?
Dean: I think it's a definite possibility.
Sam: But I don't understand. What's the significance of Lawrence? And how do these... Daeva things fit in?
Dean: Beats me. But I say we trash that black altar, grab Meg, and have ourselves a friendly little interrogation.
Sam: No, we can't. We shouldn't tip her off. We've gotta stake out that warehouse. We've gotta see who... or what, is showin' up to meet her.
Dean: I'll tell you one thing. I don't think we should do this alone.
Dean and Sam look at each other.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT, LATER
Dean is leaving a message on John's voicemail. While he is talking, Sam enters the room with bags full of weapons.
Dean: We think we've got a serious lead on the thing that killed Mom. So, uh... this warehouse. It's 1435 West Erie. Dad, if you get this, get to Chicago as soon as you can.
He hangs up.
Sam: Voicemail?
Dean: Yeah.
Sam drops the heavy bag on the bed, making a racket. Dean jumps and turns around.
Dean: Jeez, what'd you get?
Sam rolls his shoulders to get the kinks out, with a small groan. He sighs, then chuckles. Dean starts going through the bag.
Sam: Heh. I ransacked that trunk. Holy water, every weapon that I could think of. Exorcism rituals from about a half-dozen religions. I'm not sure what to expect, so I guess we should just expect everything, huh?
Dean smiles. Sam lets out a long breath, and they begin loading their guns silently. Sam tosses a shell to Dean, who catches it and loads.
Dean: Big night.
Sam: Yeah. Nervous?
Dean: No. No, are you?
Sam: No. No way.
They are silent for a few seconds. Sam loads bullets in the gun, and racks the slide. Sam shakes his head in disbelief.
Sam: God, could you imagine if we actually found that damn thing? That demon?
Dean is cautious.
Dean: Let's not get ahead of ourselves, all right?
Sam: I know. I'm just sayin'... what if we did? What if this whole thing was over tonight?
Sam starts dreaming out loud.
Sam: Man, I'd sleep for a month. Go back to school. Just... be a person again.
Dean is surprised.
Dean: You wanna go back to school?
Sam: Yeah, once we're done huntin' the thing.
Dean: Huh.
Dean looks down, but Sam realizes something is wrong.
Sam: Why, is there somethin' wrong with that?
Dean: No. No, it's, uh, great. Good for you.
Dean's attention is on the strap for his arm for the weapon.
Sam: I mean... what are you gonna do when it's all over?
Dean: It's never gonna be over. There's gonna be others. There's always gonna be somethin' to hunt.
Sam: But there's got to be somethin'... that you want for yourself-
Dean: Yeah, I don't want you to leave the second this thing's over, Sam.
Dean walks over to the dresser.
Sam: Dude, what's your problem?
Dean is silent for a while. He takes a breath, and chuckles. Sam is confused. Dean turns back to Sam.
Dean: Why do you think I drag you everywhere? Huh? I mean, why do you think I came and got you at Stanford in the first place?
Sam: 'Cause Dad was in trouble. 'Cause you wanted to find the thing that killed Mom.
Dean yells.
Dean: Yes, that, but it's more than that, man.
He turns back to the dresser and is silent again. Sam is confused, looking and waiting on Dean. Dean once more turns to Sam.
Dean: You and me and Dad. I mean, I want us to... I want us to be together again.
Sam looks heartbroken.
Dean: I want us to be a family again.
Sam: Dean, we are a family.
Dean: (softly) Well...
Sam: I'd do anything for you. But things will never be the way they were before.
Dean looks heartbroken. He tries to speak, and then again.
Dean: (sadly) Could be.
Sam nods his head, this firms his mind up.
Sam: I don't want them to be.
Sam shakes his head no.
Sam: I'm not gonna live this life forever. Dean, when this is all over... you're gonna have to let me go my own way.
Dean looks back up at Sam. They share a look of sad understanding.

IT'S A TRAP

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Camera pans up to top floor where the lights are all on. The screech of the "L" is heard.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Sam and Dean climb the elevator gate with grunts and pants before reaching the top room. Meg is standing at the altar, speaking in an ancient language.
Meg: Cerkit te dava la dae fut he de pariatas
Quietly, Dean motions for Sam to climb up.
Meg: Dae un pute. Spiritus immundae dava a tu qua.
Sam squeezes through the space between the gate and the wall, keeping his eyes on Meg.
Meg: Invoko opies aquar. Cervatae de lat te me he daverate. Oh vago tem. Dos ava cerata
Dean hands up a gun.
Meg: Overt to bes squarum. Ov mot go so serm Servatae a lat te a mariate
Sam stands, aiming the gun at Meg to cover her while Dean crawls through the space.
Meg: Ov ve got to, so ser a daevas, serite de la. De me veratante
Once up, Dean glances at her once then moves with the bags to the back of the room while Sam is still covering her. He moves to follow Dean.
Meg: De vo te mund de. Spiritos de nu yatto.
Dean pauses, and Sam slides into position behind some crates, bringing his gun up to bear. Dean slides into place across the small aisle, also behind some crates.
Meg: In voko to boke
Dean drops into a crouch and digs in the bag. He pulls out a shotgun, and Sam trades him the gun he'd been holding.
Meg: Guys.
Dean and Sam look at each other, stunned.
Meg: Hiding's a little bit childish, don't you think?
Dean whispers to Sam.
Dean: Well, that didn't work out like I planned.
Meg turns around to face them.
Meg: Why don't you come out?
Dean and Sam stand up from behind the crates, Sam holding a shotgun on Meg, which is joined by Dean's when he takes a step forward. Meg starts to slowly walk towards them. The boys, equally slow, are walking towards Meg. They stop, facing each other, a bit of distance. Meg is smiling slightly.
Meg: Sam. I have to say, this puts a real crimp in our relationship.
Sam: Yeah, tell me about it.
Dean: So. Where's your little Daeva friend?
Meg: Around.
Dean nods. Meg's still smiling slightly.
Meg: And that shotgun's not gonna do much good.
Dean: Oh, don't worry, sweetheart. The shotgun's not for the demon.
Sam: So, who is it, Meg?
She's giving a full smile now.
Sam: Who's coming? Who are you waiting for?
Meg: You.
The shadow demon begins to form on the wall. The boys still face Meg. The shadow on the wall knocks Sam's shadow to the ground. Sam falls with a yell of pain. Dean's shadow turns to face it, and the Daeva throws Dean's shadow. Dean falls into the crates with his own yell. The shadow on the wall claws, and a claw-like scratch appears on Sam's face with another yell from Sam. The screen goes black.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT, LATER
Sam comes to and sees Meg sitting before him, smiling. Dean and Sam are tied to two separate posts.
Dean: Hey, Sam? Don't take this the wrong way, but your girlfriend... is a bitch.
Dean gives her a look of satisfaction.
Sam: This, the whole thing, was a trap. Running into you at the bar, following you here, hearin' what you had to say. It was all a set-up, wutn't it?
Meg laughs.
Sam: And that the victims were from Lawrence?
Meg: It doesn't mean anything. It was just to draw you in, that's all.
Sam: You killed those two people for nothin'.
Meg: Baby, I've killed a lot more for a lot less.
She smiles.
Dean: You trapped us. Good for you. It's Miller time.
He smiles.
Dean: Why don't you kill us already?
Meg: Not very quick on the uptake, are we?
She leans in closer.
Meg: This trap isn't for you.
Dean is puzzled. Sam thinks for a second, then realizes something.
Sam: Dad.
Dean looks at Sam.
Sam: It's a trap for Dad.
Dean looks at Meg, who smiles at him.
Dean: Oh, sweetheart-you're dumber than you look. 'Cause even if Dad was in town, which he is not, he wouldn't walk into something like this. He's too good.
Meg: He is pretty good. I'll give you that.
She stands up, and walks over to him.
Meg: But you see,
Meg kicks at Dean's leg to move it, before sitting down, straddling his legs.
Meg: he has one weakness.
Dean: What's that?
Meg: You. He lets his guard down around his boys. Lets his emotions cloud his judgments. I happen to know he is in town. And he'll come, and try to save you. And then the Daevas will kill everybody-nice and slow and
Meg looks to Sam. Sam is glaring back at her.
Meg: messy.
Dean: Well, I've got news for ya. It's gonna take a lot more than some... shadow to kill him.
Meg turns her attention back to Dean.
Meg: Oh, the Daevas are in the room, here. They're invisible. Their shadows are just the only part you can see.
Sam: Why you doin' this, Meg? What kind of deal you got worked out here, huh? And with whom?
She turns her ire on Sam, looking over.
Meg: I'm doing this for the same reasons you do what you do-loyalty. Love.
Sam rolls his head, like "give me a break". Meg's voice turns taunting.
Meg: Like the love you have for Mommy
Sam snaps his head back to her. She is smiling at him.
Meg: and Jess.
Sam glares at her.
Sam: Go to hell.
Meg: Baby, I'm already there.
She smiles and slides over to Sam. Dean gives her a hard look.
Meg: Oh. Come on, Sam. There's no need to be nasty.
She leans in to whisper in his ear.
Meg: I think we both know... how you really feel about me.
Meg moves to sit on Sam's legs.
Meg: You know, I saw you... watching me.
Dean is interested in hearing this, picking his head up.
Meg: Changing in my apartment.
Meg is back to whispering in Sam's ear.
Meg: It turned you on, didn't it?
Dean rolls his eyes.
Dean: Get a room, you two.
Meg: I didn't mind. I liked that you were watching me. Come on, Sammy. You and I can still have a little dirty fun.
She begins kissing his neck.
Sam: You wanna have fun? Go ahead then. I'm a little tied up right now.
She smiles and continues to kiss him on his neck. Sam's breathing heavy. Dean's face reflects that he's working on something. A noise of metal clinking on Dean's side of the room makes him look over at her. Meg stops. Both Meg and Sam look over at Dean, before Sam's attention looks back at her to see what she will do, if anything. She gets up and walks behind Dean's post. She sees he has a knife in his hand. She takes it away and tosses it into a corner. Meg swings around to the other side of the post, and smiles at Dean, who chuckles guiltily. She slides back over to Sam, whispering in his ear again.
Meg: Now, were you just trying to distract me while your brother cuts free?
Sam: No. No.
Sam shakes his head no. Meg sits back down on his legs, satisfied.
Sam: It's because I have a knife of my own.
Meg is confused. Sam breaks free from his ropes and grabs Meg's shoulders, then knocks his head against hers. She falls to the floor with a small yelp. Sam grabs his head and groans in pain.
Dean: Sam! Get the altar.
Sam: Huh.
Sam walks over to the altar and overturns it in a spectacular display of strength. Suddenly, the shadow demons appear on the wall, flying towards Meg.
Meg: No!
They each land and grab Meg.
Meg: No! NOOO!!
She is dragged across the floor.

EXT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Meg crashes through the window, screaming, falling down to the street below.

INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
Sam: Yeah.
Sam grabs his knife and cuts Dean free from his ropes. Panting, Sam helps Dean stand. They head over to the window and see Meg sprawled on the street, dead.
Sam: So, I guess the Daevas didn't like being bossed around.
Dean: I guess not. Hey, Sam?
Sam: Hm?
Dean: Next time you wanna get laid... find a girl that's not so buckets-o'-crazy, huh?
Dean smiles and walks away. Sam looks back down at Meg for another minute, then heads after Dean. The camera does a slow close up of Meg, lying in the street.

DAD

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
Camera aims a shot up at the motel.

INT. MOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT
Dean and Sam are walking back to their room.
Dean: Why didn't you just leave that stuff in the car?
Sam: I said it before, and I'll say it again-better safe than sorry.
There's noises from other rooms. Sam shifts the heavy bag back up on his shoulder. Dean unlocks the door and they enter the room.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
They see the outline of a man standing by the window.
Dean: (confrontational) Hey!
Sam unzips the bag to grab a weapon. The man turns around, and steps into the light from outside. It is John. Sam and Dean are stunned.
Dean: Dad?
John: Hey, boys.
Dean glances back at Sam, who can't keep his eyes off Dad. Dean and John walk towards each other and share a long, emotional hug. Sam watches sadly, not sure of his welcome. He takes a few hesitant steps forward. Dean and John pull apart a few seconds later. Sam has reached John, and they look at each other with longing.
John: Hi, Sam.
Sam: (softly) Hey, Dad.
Sam places the bag full of weapons on the floor. Sam and John do not hug, but look at each other. The boys stand next to each other, facing John.
Dean: Dad, it was a trap. I didn't know, I'm sorry.
John: It's all right.
John nods his head slightly.
John: I thought it might've been.
Dean: Were you there?
John: Yeah, I got there just in time to see the girl take the swan dive.
Sam and Dean look at each other guiltily.
John: She was the bad guy, right?
They respond as solders.
Dean and Sam: Yes, sir.
John: Good. Well... it doesn't surprise me. It's tried to stop me before.
Sam has surprise, and hope on his face.
Sam: The demon has?
John: It knows I'm close. It knows I'm gonna kill it. Not just exorcise it, or send it back to hell. Actually kill it.
Dean: How?
John smiles.
John: I'm workin' on that.
Dean gives a slight smile with a half chuckle. Sam is hopeful, and wanting to beat the demon.
Sam: Let us come with you. We'll help.
Dean gives Sam a warning look.
John: No, Sam.
John looks down, before looking back at his youngest.
John: Not yet. Just try to understand. This demon is a scary son of a bitch. I don't want you
John indicates Sam.
John: caught in a crossfire. I don't want you hurt.
Sam: Dad, you don't have to worry about us.
John: Of course I do.
John looks from Sam to Dean.
John: I'm your father.
John pauses as his voice breaks. Dean's heart is breaking, as he looks over at Sam. Sam is so determined to go with Dad.
John: Listen, Sammy, uh... last time we were together, we had one hell of a fight.
Bad memories for Sam.
Sam: Yes, sir.
John is so overcome with emotion, it takes a bit before he can speak, voice cracking.
John: It's good to see you again. It's been a long time.
Sam misses his father.
Sam: Too long.
They share a long, emotional look with each other, sorry for the break and glad to see each other. John makes the first move, and then John and Sam embrace, crying. A minute later John pats Sam twice on the back, and they pull apart. The three of them look tearfully around at each other. Suddenly, the shadow demon attacks John. He is thrown into a set of cabinets and falls to the ground. The demon slices at Sam, who also falls.
Dean: Noo!!
Dean is thrown backwards to the floor as well.

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
A shot of the motel, with sounds of crashing.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Outside, Meg is watching the motel. She is walking slowly, looks at the building while holding a pendant around her neck.

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
A closer shot of the motel, with the lit rooms where the Winchesters are.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT
A close-up of the pendant features the Zoroastrian symbol. The camera pans up to show Meg's face.
The screen goes black.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
John's arm is flung up against the kitchen cabinets. He screams, his bloody head turning to look at where the Daeva is holding his arm, and attacking him. Each attack by the Daeva sounds like a roar, and it elicits another scream from John, three so far. Dean lands heavily on the floor, protecting his middle. The second Daeva roars and throws him to the side. Sam is panting, looking around. A third Daeva, holding John from the other side, roars and stabs John in the chest. John screams again. Dean tries to get up, but is flung backwards, landing on his back. Sam looks over at his dad. The third Daeva rips open John's chest, and blood spurts out. John screams once more - he can't take much more of this. Sam looks over at the bag of weapons he'd brought in. Dean is disoriented.
Sam: Shut your eyes!
Sam makes his way to the bag of weapons on the floor. He removes a flare from the bag.
Sam: These things are shadow demons. So let's light 'em up!
He lights the flare. Dean throws both arms over his face. Sam carefully drops the flare in the middle of the room. The room is instantly filled with smoke and a brilliant white light. Both shadow demons holding John's arm vanish, and John sags down when he isn't being held. The third shadow demon over Dean disappears too. Sounds of coughing from all three. Sam grabs the weapons bag. Dean rolls up to a sitting position, and try to feel his way around the room, coughing and sputtering. Sam is trying to maneuver around the room as well, bumping into furniture and coughing. Dean's found the living area, trying to find Dad.
Dean: Dad!
John: Over here!
Sam crashes into the lamp, and hits the wall as he is trying to make his way around the room. Dean finds John and helps him up. Dean is helping Dad, both coughing, head for the front door. Sam waits until Dean passes before following them. John his holding his chest, where he is wounded. Dean opens the door and he, John, and Sam exit the room.

LEAVING

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
A shot of brilliant white light coming through the windows, before the camera pans across to the front door. Dean, helping John, and Sam exit the building and hurry down an alley to the car.
Sam: All right, come on. We don't have much time. As soon as the flare's out, they'll be back.
Sam puts the bag in the backseat of the Impala.
Dean: Wait, wait, wait! Sam, wait.
Dean looks at John, who is looking back at Dean. Dean knows John can't stay with them, and it's killing him.
Dean: Dad, you can't come with us.
Sam is shocked.
Sam: What? What are you talkin' about?
John looks with compassion on Dean.
John: You boys-you're beat to hell.
Dean: We'll be all right.
Dean looks up at Dad, selling his lie. Sam is desperate, facing Dean.
Sam: Dean, we should stick together. We'll go after this demon-
Dean: Sam! Listen to me!
Dean needs to make Sam understand.
Dean: We almost got Dad killed in there. Don't you understand? They're not gonna stop. They're gonna try again.
Sam glances at Dad, then back at Dean. John knows this is true, and turns sad eyes to his youngest, whom it will affect the most.
Dean: They're gonna use us to get to him. I mean, Meg was right. Dad's vulnerable when he's with us. He... he's stronger without us around.
Dean turns away.
Sam: Dad.
He puts a hand on his father's shoulder. He's desperate to keep John with them, to be involved against the demon.
Sam: No. After everything-
John reaches up to grasp Sam's wrist, giving a small amount of comfort.
Sam: after all the time we spent lookin' for you-please. I gotta be a part of this fight.
John: Sammy, this fight is just starting. And we are all gonna have a part to play. For now, you've got to trust me, son.
Sam is confused, shakes his head no, knowing what's coming.
John: Okay, you gotta let me go.
It's hard; the three are close to tears. Dean looks at Sam, knowing it'll kill him. Sam doesn't want to let Dad go. Dean looks over at John. Sam nods sadly. John releases Sam's wrist. Sam nods again, trying to take it in. Finally, Sam looks at his hand on his dad's shoulder, gathers himself, pats his father's shoulder once, then lets go in a goodbye. John gives a slight nod to Sam before he shares a nod with Dean to say goodbye. Sam is hurting, but holding it together. Dean looks at Sam, who barely glances at him before in unison they turn to watch Dad. John walks to his truck. Once there, he looks back at them one more time. Dean's standing in front of Sam, both looking at him. They are his boys, and he's proud of them, and worried for them.
John: (quietly) Be careful, boys.
John climbs in his truck.
Dean: Come on.
Dean climbs in the Impala, hurting a bit as he slides in. John's truck starts. Sam walks around to climb into the shotgun seat. John's truck pulls out. Sam slams the Impala's door. They watch the truck, each missing Dad, until it turns the corner to the left. Sam and Dean look at each other. Dad is gone again. They both look forward once more. Without a word, Dean starts the car. He backs into the street, then speeds down the road and around a corner. Meg climbs the flight of stairs from the "L" onto the street. She turns and watches the boys leave as the screen goes to black.