It's finally here! I'm so sorry for the long wait and I promise I'll be better about it! Hopefully you guys like this chapter, the more exciting stuff will be in the next one. It's completely un-beta'd so any mistakes are completely mine. For those of you who still read the story even though it hadn't been updated in months and still reviewed, thank you! You are the reason I made sure I kept writing this even when my life was so crazy I thought my head would explode. So this is for you my loyal story followers. I hope you enjoy and as always, review at will!

Aubri was asleep in the backseat when Sam and Dean's voices woke her up. "So, I've been waiting since Maple Springs. You got something to tell me?" Dean asked expectantly.

"It's not your birthday." Sam responded, evading the question.

"No."

"Happy Purim?" Sam laughed, "Dude, I don't know. I have no idea what you're talking about…"

Aubri sat up in the seat as Dean cut Sam off, "There's a bullet missing from the Colt. You want to tell me how that happened? I know it wasn't me and it wasn't Aubri, so unless you were shooting at some incredibly evil cans…"

"Dean…" Sam started.

"You went after her didn't you? The Crossroads Demon. After I told you not to." Dean said, struggling not to yell. He didn't want to wake up Aubri, not realizing she was already awake until he felt her hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, well." Sam tried to figure out the best way to defend his actions.

With that admission, Dean almost lost it, "You could have gotten yourself killed!"

"I didn't."

"And you shot her?"

"She was a smartass!" Sam defended.

There was silence for a moment, Dean thinking about what this meant and Aubri hoping it meant that he was out of the deal since the demon was dead. "So, what? Does that, does that mean I'm out of my deal?"

Sam shook his head, "Don't you think I might have mentioned that little fact Dean? No. Someone else holds the contract."

Dean's eyes met Aubri's in the rearview mirror for a split second, seeing the hope in her eyes die. "Who?"

"She wouldn't say." Sam answered.

"Well, we should find out who. Of course, our best lead would be the Crossroads Demon. Oh, wait a minute…"

"Dean." Aubri cautioned, squeezing his shoulder lightly. She knew these arguments between him and his brother could get bad pretty quick and she didn't want that happening. Not when she would have done the same thing as Sam if she had had the guts for it. Maybe she wouldn't have shot the demon, but who knows.

"What Aubs? It was a stupid freaking risk and he shouldn't have done it!" Dean continued loudly.

Sam scoffed, "I'm right here Dean, and you're my brother. No matter what you do I'm gonna try and save you. And I'm sure as hell not gonna apologize for it, all right?" He paused for a moment, meeting Aubri's eyes. "Aubs would have done the same thing, even if she won't admit it, if she knew what to do she would have done the same thing I did. Wouldn't you?"

Aubri's eyes narrowed as she looked at Sam, "Do not bring me into this Sam. I don't want to be a part of this argument."

Her hesitation to answer sparked Dean's curiosity for a moment and he briefly turned to look at Aubri before turning his attention back to the road, "Well Aubs?" He asked, wanting to know if Sam was right.

She sighed before answering, "Well it's not like I want you to die." Her voice was tight as she looked away. "If it meant getting closer to getting you out of this deal, then yeah, I probably would have done the same thing."

"Even if it meant Sam died?" Dean asked harshly. He met her eyes in the rearview mirror and saw an angry flash in them.

"That's not fair." She gritted out through tight lips.

"Well sweetheart life's not fair." Dean answered with a dry laugh.

"Dean, come on." Sam tried to stop him, feeling bad that he had brought Aubri into this after seeing the hurt hidden in her eyes.

"What Sam? It's not, especially not our lives. We don't get fair and you should remember that."

Aubri sat back in her seat, clenching her jaw and fighting to keep the frustrated tears that had welled up in her eyes at bay. "You think I don't know that?" She muttered, looking out the window, counting down the minutes til they reached their destination.

~TFS~

When they finally reached Sea Pines, they wasted no time in changing their clothes and getting over to the witness' house. The older lady was very confused when she answered the door, but let them in anyways, picking up a framed photo of the victim before looking up at them, "I don't understand, I already went over this with the other detectives."

"Right, yes, but, you see, we're…" Dean started.

"We're with the Sheriff's Department, ma'am, not the police department. Completely different departments." Aubri finished, smiling at the older woman.

"So, Mrs. Case…" Sam started.

Ms. Case turned her attention to Sam, smiling coyly, eyeing him up and down, "Please, Ms. Case."

Aubri fought back a smile as Sam cleared his throat and continued, "Alright, Ms. Case. You were the one who found your niece, correct?"

She nodded, "I came home, she was in the shower."

"Drowned?" Aubri asked.

"So the coroner says." She answered, sounding doubtful, "Now, you tell me, how can someone drown in the shower?"

"How would you describe Sheila's behavior in the days before her death?" Sam continued questioning," I mean, did she seem frightened? Maybe she said something out of the ordinary, or…"

The older lady interrupted him, "Wait a minute. You're working with Alex, aren't you?"

Dean laughed, "Yep, absolutely, that's… Alex and us are like this." He held up his crossed fingers to indicate just how "tight" they were with Alex.

"Why didn't you say so? Alex has been such a comfort, but I'm sorry, I thought the case was solved."

"Um, well, no. No, not yet." Sam answered, trying to figure out who this Alex could be while trying to keep the interview going.

"I see." Gert said softly.

"So, anyways," Aubri continued, "We were talking about your niece."

"Oh, yes. Sheila mentioned something quite strange before she died. She said she saw a boat."

"A boat?" Dean asked, there was a marina nearby, so he didn't quite understand why seeing a boat was so special.

"Yes," Gert continued, "One minute it was there, then it was gone. It just disappeared right before her eyes. You think it could be a ghost ship? Alex thinks it could be a ghost ship." She said this part to Sam, staring at him intently.

Sam paused for a moment, thrown off by Gert's stare, "Um, well… could be."

Aubri looked at him incredulously, a ghost ship? She got demons and spirits and all that jazz, but a freaking ghost ship? She was never going to get used to this no matter how long she was stuck here.

"Well, you let me know if there's anything else I can do for you." Gert said, never taking her eyes off of Sam as she reached out to lightly trace a finger along Sam's hand, "Anything at all."

Dean smirked and cleared his throat loudly as Aubri coughed, trying desperately to suppress the laugh that threatened to bubble up.

~TFS~

The three of them walked along the docks, Aubri looking out over the glittering water as Dean spoke, "What a crazy old broad." He chuckled.

Aubri smiled, "Crazy or not, I liked her. She was spunky for a little old lady and she certainly had eyes for Sam." She looked away and bumped her shoulder against Sam's laughing.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Sam said, looking straight ahead, "and just because she believes in ghosts she's crazy? We hunt ghosts for a living Dean."

Dean laughed again and looked over at Aubri conspiratorially, "Look at him, sticking up for his girlfriend. You cougar hound."

"Bite me." Sam shot back, jaw tense.

"Hey, not if she bites you first." Dean continued to tease before switching topics, "So, who's this Alex? We got another player in town?"

Aubri shrugged, "Maybe, is that going to change anything?"

Sam shook his head, "Nope, doesn't change anything at all."

Aubri looked back at the boats docked on the water, "I want to know more about this ghost ship that Ms. Case was talking about. Are those even a thing?"

"Yeah they are. It's not the first one that's been sighted around here either." Sam answered.

"Really?" Dean asked.

Sam nodded, "Yeah. Every 37 years, like clockwork, reports of a vanishing three-mast clipper ship out in the bay. And every 37 years, a rash of weirdo, dry-land drownings."

Aubri shivered, "I don't like the sound of that."

"Yeah, and that means whatever's happening is just getting started." Dean added, looking over at Sam, "So, what's the lore?"

"Well, there are apparitions of old wrecks sighted all over the world. The S.S. Violet, the Griffin, the Flying Dutchman, almost all of them are death omens."

"So, what happens? You see the ship and then a few hours later, you pucker up and kiss your ass goodbye?" Dean asked.

"Basically." Sam answered with a grim nod.

Aubri chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully, "So we just need to figure out what boat is popping up around here? That shouldn't be too hard, right?"

"Oh no, especially not since there are over one hundred and fifty three-mast clipper ships that have wrecked off of the coast." Sam said dryly.

"Your sarcasm has been noted and is not appreciated Sam." Aubri shot back. "So it'll just take a bit of research to figure out which one it is. We better get to work." She said with a slight shrug before coming to a quick stop in front of an empty parking space. Turning around with a confused look on her face she looked at Dean, "This is where we parked right?"

Dean's eyes grew were as round as saucers as he took in the empty parking space, "Where's my car?"

"Did you feed the meter?" Sam asked.

"Yes, I fed the meter. Where is my car? Somebody stole my CAR!" Dean's voice rose and took on a panicked note.

"Dean, calm down." Aubri said, walking over to him quickly as he started breathing heavily.

"I am calmed down!" He said frantically, "Somebody stole my ca-" He didn't finish the sentence because he started to hyperventilating, bending over to put his hands on his knees.

Aubri started rubbing Dean's back, "Dean, babe, calm down. Look at me." She tried crouching down to meet his eyes, "We'll find her don't worry. We'll get the car back."

He nodded, still breathing heavily as he slowly stood up straight. A woman's voice spoke up at that moment, a voice that was all too familiar. "The '67 Impala? Was that yours?" Bela asked coolly as she sauntered over to them.

"Bela." Sam greeted her unhappily.

She smirked, "I'm sorry, I had that car towed."

"You what?!" Dean asked angrily as he pushed past Aubri.

"It was in a towaway zone." She answered coyly.

"No it wasn't." Dean growled.

Bela arched a brow, "It was when I finished with it."

Aubri crossed her arms over her chest, "What are you doing here Bela?"

"Oh, a little yachting." She said flippantly.

"You're Alex aren't you? You're working with that old lady." Sam spoke up, making the connection.

"Gert's a dear old friend."

Dean scoffed, "Yeah right, what's your angle?"

Bela batted her eyelashes, looking as innocent as a conwoman could manage, "There's no angle. There's a lot of lovely old women like Gert up and down the eastern seaboard. I sell them charms; perform séances so they can commune with their dead cats."

"And let me guess, it's all a con, none of it's real?" Dean asked.

"The comfort I provide them is very real."

"How do you sleep at night?" Sam asked disgustedly.

She smiled, "On silk sheets, rolling naked in money. Really Sam, I'd expect that attitude from him, but you?"

"You shot me!" Sam yelled exasperatedly.

"I barely grazed you." She looked pointedly at Dean and Aubri, "Cute, but a bit of a drama queen yeah?"

Aubri shook her head, "You do know that the stuff going on around here, the whole thing with the ghost ship, it's the real deal."

"Yes, I'm aware. Thanks for telling Gert the case wasn't solved by the way. The old bag's stopped payment and is demanding some real answers. Look, just stay out of my way before you cause anymore trouble." She focused on Dean, "I'd get to that car if I were you, before they find the arsenal in the trunk." Turning to walk away, she called over her shoulder, "Ciao!"

"Can I shoot her?" Dean growled they watched her go.

Sam sighed, "Not in public."

"Unfortunately." Aubri added.

~TFS~

The next day they caught wind of another dry land drowning so they got ready and headed over to the latest victim's house. When they walked inside, flashing their badges at the police officers, they saw Bela interviewing a distraught man. Dean cleared his throat as they walked up to her, "Ma'am, I think this man has been through quite enough. You should go."

"But I just have a few more questions." Bela protested.

"No, you don't." Sam said firmly.

"Thank you for your time." Bela said to the man before turning and walking away, shooting the three of them a glare that made them happy looks couldn't kill.

Aubri looked at the man sympathetically, "I'm sorry you had to deal with that sir. Reporters can be like roaches." She took his arm and lead him away, Sam and Dean following closely behind them.

"So, we heard you say your brother saw a ship." Sam asked.

"Yeah, that's right." The man answered.

"Did he describe it to you at all?" Dean questioned.

He nodded, "It was, uh… like the old Yankee clippers. A smuggling vessel. The rakish topsail, a barkentine rigging. Angel figurehead on the bow."

"That's a lot of detail for a ship your brother saw." Sam said, brow furrowed.

"My brother and I were night diving. I saw the ship too."

Sam and Dean exchanged a look and Aubri turned to look out a window just in time to see Bela talking to police officers and pointing in their direction. She elbowed Dean in the ribs and grabbed Sam's elbow. "Thank you so much for your time sir. We'll be in touch." She said with a smile before quickly leaving.

~TFS~

Aubri was leaning on the side of the Impala as Dean and Sam loaded their shotguns, preparing to protect the man they had spoken to earlier. She head the quiet crunching of footsteps and turned just in time to see Bela approaching. "Incoming." She whispered to the guys as she stood up straight, crossing her arms and glaring at Bela as she approached.

"I see you got your car back." Bela said with a smirk when she got close enough.

Dean sighed, "You really want to come near me when I got a loaded gun in my hands?"

"Now, now. Mind your blood pressure. Why are you even still here? You have enough to ID the boat." Bela asked.

"We're gonna keep an eye on that guy." Aubri explained, "He saw the ship when his brother did."

"Yeah? And?"

"And, he's gonna die, so we have to save him." Sam added.

Bela smiled, "How sweet."

"Do you think this is funny?" Dean asked, irritated.

"He's cannon fodder. He can't be saved in time, and you know it."

"Yeah, well, see, we have souls, so… we're gonna try." Dean retorted.

Aubri, Sam, and Dean moved to get in the car as Bela spoke again, "Yeah, well, I'm actually going to find the ship and put an end to this. But you have fun."

That stopped them in their tracks and Dean turned to look at her again. "Hey, how'd you get like this, huh? What, did Daddy not give you enough hugs or something?"

"I don't know. Your daddy give you enough?" Bela retorted. "Don't you dare look down your nose at me. You're not better than I am."

"We help people." Aubri shot back.

Bela scoffed, "Come on, these two do this out of vengeance and obsession and you are like their pathetic little shadow, following them everywhere they go. They are a stone's throw away from being serial killers. Whereas I, on the other hand, I get paid to do a job and I do it. So, you tell me, which is healthier?"

"Bela, why don't you just leave? We've got work to do." Sam spoke up, dismissing her.

She turned to leave, calling over her shoulder, "Yeah, 0 for 2, you're doing a bang up job so far."

Aubri growled under her breath, "I really don't like her."

Dean laughed and wrapped his arm around her, giving her a squeeze before nudging her towards the car, "Easy tiger, we've got work to do."

~TFS~

Driving back to the house they were squatting in from Peter's house, where they failed to save him, the three were silent. Finally, Dean spoke up, "Are you gonna say it, or should I?"

"Say what?" Sam asked.

"We can't save everybody." He responded. Aubri's heart sank, thinking of how often they had had to deal with this during their lives. So much loss and death and feeling responsible for it the whole time. It had to be a huge burden.

"Dean I know that," Sam answered, getting quiet for a moment. "It's just lately I feel like I can't save anyone."

Silence filled the car again before Aubri had to speak up, "As much as I hate to say it, I think Bela might have had the right idea."

Sam turned to look at her, surprised, "What do you mean?"

"Well, she said she was going after the ship instead of trying to go after each person who's seen it. It kinda makes sense. If we figure out a way to get the ship to stop appearing then that means people will quit seeing it. Case solved."

Dean groaned, "I think your right Aubs."

They stayed up all night, taking turns hitting the books and making food runs to refuel. By the time morning rolled around Aubri was laying on the couch with her head in Dean's lap, fighting to keep her eyes open as Sam continued to pour over the books. "Find anything?" Dean asked, keeping his voice low since he could see Aubri about to fall asleep.

As Sam opened his mouth to answer, a loud rapping on the door cut him off, startling them all. Aubri sat up straight and Dean rose off of the couch and walked to the door. Opening the peep hole, he looked out slowly to see Bela standing on the other side of the door. Rolling his eyes, he opened the door and let her in. "Dear God," she said as she strutted into the room, "are you actually squatting? Charming." After taking in her surroundings she looked at Sam, "So, how did last night go with Peter?" When no one answered her she turned and looked at Dean, "That well huh?" She said smugly.

"If you say I told you so, I swear to God I'll start swinging." Dean shot back at her.

"Look, I think the four of us should have a heart to heart." Bela started.

"Assuming you have a heart." Aubri muttered as she stood up and walked over to the table.

Bela sighed, "I'm sorry about what I said before, alright? I come bearing gifts."

When everyone was silent for a moment, Sam spoke up, "Such as?"

"I've ID'd the ship." Bela said with a smirk, as she unzipped the pouch she was holding. They all looked at each other as Bela pulled out a picture and handed it over, "It's the Espirito Santo, merchant sailing vessel, quite a colorful history. In 1859 a sailor was accused of treason, he was tried aboard ship in a kangaroo court and hanged. He was 37."

"Which would explain the 37 year cycle." Sam said, handing the picture over to Aubri.

Bela handed over another picture, "This is him."

"Isn't that the customer we saw last night?" Dean asked.

"You saw him?" Bela asked, surprised.

"Yeah, except I'm pretty sure he was missing a hand." Aubri answered, looking up from the pictures.

"His right hand." Bela said.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Sam asked.

"The sailor's body was cremated, but not before they cut off his hand to make a hand of glory."

"A hand of glory? I think I got one of those at the end of a Thai massage once." Dean said with a laugh. Aubri turned and glared at him briefly, earning her a shrug. He put his hand on her knee and squeezed lightly, "Long time ago sweetheart."

She rolled her eyes and turned to look at Bela, "Why is it so special?"

"The right hand of a hanged man is a serious occult object. It's very powerful." Sam explained.

"So they say." Bela added.

Aubri nodded, "Well, I'm learning to trust whatever the mysterious 'they' says."

"Regardless, that hand of glory officially counts as remains." Dean added.

Sam shook his head, "Still doesn't explain why the ghost is choosing these victims."

"I'll tell you why, who bloody cares? Find the hand, burn it, and stop the bloody thing." Bela interrupted, "and I know exactly where the hand is. The Sea Pines Museum. It's a macabre bit of maritime history, but I need help."

"What kind of help?" Sam asked, earning him a slightly terrifying smirk from Bela.

There will be more coming up next Sunday! This next half of the episode I can play around with the story a little more so I am excited! Hope you enjoyed!