He noticed her from across the room. She sauntered into Hollister's, wearing a form-fitting silver dress. As she sat down, her magenta lips pursed and her ample bosom seemed to float upward. She placed what looked like a hat box onto the table.

And then, she raised her eyes, and the look was electric. Their eyes connected, and her demeanor became almost playful. She cocked her head to the side, and her light brown hair shifted over one shoulder.

And then, she did the unthinkable. She stood up, and made her way towards his table. The man's buttocks tightened in nervousness.

"Excuse me, dear," said the woman in a polite British accent, "Could you tell your husband to stop staring at me? I have an important business meeting, and I simply cannot have any distractions."

The man's wife looked at him, and then back at the British woman. "Oh, not to worry. I'll make sure he doesn't look at you again."

As his face blanched with embarrassment, the man thought bitch.

His wife thought similarly; only it was directed towards her unfaithful husband. "If you look at her again, I'll rip your balls off. Do you understand me?" The man gulped and nodded.

Bela Talbot let out a sigh as she sat down again at her table. She was used to men admiring her beauty, but tonight was not the time.

"You have exquisite taste."

Bela looked up, and was puzzled at the blonde woman that stood before her. She was wearing a burgundy leather skirt, stiletto heels, and a red silk blouse.

"In fact, your outfit even matches the décor of this place. I'm jealous to say the least."

Bela could see the woman slap her husband across the room. The wife stormed away from her table. He must have been eyeing the blonde standing in front of Bela.

"Do I know you?" asked Bela.

"You have something very important to me," said the blonde woman.

"Hildagard?" asked a dumbfounded Bela.

"Bela, please…I asked you to call me Ruby," said Ruby.

"Of course…Wonderful to meet you, Ruby," said Bela, extending her hand.

"Likewise," said Ruby, as she sat at the opposite chair. "Your work impressed me so much that I had to meet you myself."

"How nice," said Bela, "Most female clients send an associate. Stand in, if you will. They are always men with parched skin, and bathed in cheap cologne. I loathe the fragrances they make for men these days."

"I like a Stetson man myself," said Ruby. "But I understand needing a girl's night out from time to time."

"So…what's a young woman like you interested in medieval knives for?" asked Bela.

"Hmm…well, if we are playing detective…what's a beautiful young woman like you thieving away in the night for?" asked Ruby back.

"I apologize. You are just an unusual client for me, that's all," said Bela coolly.

"And I rarely deal with collectors that wear Donna Karan," said Ruby.

"Shall we discuss business, then," said Bela.

"Not until I order a drink first. What do career women order nowadays…Maybe I should get something neon colored with an umbrella on the top. Or maybe I'll order a James Bond martini," said Ruby as she eyed the cocktail menu. Bela felt that Ruby was mocking her.

"Well, if you want the lighter spirits, maybe you should order a strawberry daiquiri," said Bela.

"Oh you say that so charmingly…East End?" asked Ruby.

Bela bristled at the insinuation. Regardless of the insult, Ruby was still a client. "I hear they have a fantastic viognier."

"I don't feel like putting on airs tonight. I'll just have a rum and coke," said Ruby.

"May I take your order?" asked the maitre d.

"I'd like a rum and coke," said Ruby. "And I think I'll try…"

"Actually, we're just here for cocktails," responded Bela, "I will have a glass of your splendid Moet & Chandon."

"Very well," responded the maitre d.

"How disappointing," said Ruby. "I was really looking forward to the lobster bisque."

"I am booked for the evening. Besides, I thought tonight's meeting would last no more than fifteen minutes."

"So haughty and businesslike," said Ruby. "Don't you ever cut loose now and again?"

The maitre d' delicately set their cocktails down, along with the check.

"I'd rather not be schooled about the finer points of a conversation," said Bela. "I usually meet in less conspicuous places, but I made the exception for you."

"Okay, you really need to stop with the ice queen bit," said Ruby.

"And you need to stop wasting my time," said Bela. She could no longer maintain any decorum. "I am a professional. Not somebody's BFF."

"You know, girls like you concern me. You all truly believe that an Oxford education will help you outsmart all the crooks and monsters out there," said Ruby, as she took a swig from her rum and coke.

"And I suppose you're going to tell me that you've had it hard…perhaps you grew up in…what do they call it…the 'hood,'" said Bela. "Pardon me if I have the wrong vernacular."

"I'm not playing around, little girl," said Ruby in a serious tone, "The thing you acquired for me was cherry pie. If you're constantly looking for the high stakes or the rush or whatever it is you're seeking, you're gonna eventually get burned."

"I think you took the 'girl's night out' expression a little too seriously. You know absolutely nothing about me."

"Oh, but you're wrong," replied Ruby. "Believe it or not, I used to be just like you."

"In what sense?" asked Bela.

"I had a privileged upbringing like you. I lived a life that people around me envied. Even though I was adorned with precious jewels and fine linens, I was actually a prisoner behind closed doors," said Ruby.

It was in the morning hours, and his hands were wintry cold—touching her in places she did not want him to. It began when she was eight. But Bela brushed the memory off in her mind like dust.

"Look, I know what you are," said Bela, as she leaned in towards Ruby, "Do you think you are the first demon I have dealt with? In my line of work, the entire concept becomes a little blasé."

"I like how you act so professional," said Ruby, "But I can tell when other girls are lying. You were raised in the business, doll."

"I am not one of those sociopath Hunters, if that is what you are implying," retorted Bela.

"I would never accuse you of being something so…base," said Ruby, "But I've dealt with other dealers such as yourself before. You have that extra little oomph. You can't lie to me and say you're just gifted. You're too young."

Bela stared blankly at Ruby.

"Look, I didn't come here for some estrogen smack down," said Ruby. "So shall we start over?"

"All right," said Bela. "We can start anew after we make exchange."

"Fine."

Bela and Ruby exchanged the envelopes containing precious cargo. Bela glimpsed into the envelope to make sure the money was there.

"You can trust me, you know," said Ruby.

"Everything seems in order," said Bela. "You can check your envelope if you like."

"I know it's the dagger. It only weighs like a ton," said Ruby. "You have a satisfied customer. I knew you were an expert."

"Then if you consider me an expert, why not tell about me about the new job?" asked Bela, "Most of my clients prefer anonymity. Hence, the associate. I assume you are in need of another task."

"I am impressed again," replied Ruby. "But you'll want to speak in the plural. I have many tasks for you lined up. Most of them are very lucrative. Except…"

"Except you want to pay half upfront and the rest later," said Bela. She crossed her arms impatiently.

"Except you'll be required to interact with two strapping gentlemen," responded Ruby.

Ruby unveiled a picture of Dean and Sam Winchester.

"Hmmm, they seem ungentlemanly to me," said Bela. She faced the picture towards Ruby, and circled the guns Dean and Sam were holding with her fingers.

"Right, well they are Hunters. Guns are part of their repertoire," said Ruby.

"And deceit is part of a demon's repertoire as well. How will you benefit from my services?" asked Bela.

"I think you'll be the one benefiting from the deal," said Ruby. "You'll get more business, loads of money, and you might even get a little action too. I hear the older one Dean is quite the tiger."

"I do not offer the 'girlfriend' package," responded Bela tartly.

"Okay, so humor him and make him believe he has a chance," said Bela. "I just need you to stir things up a little bit while I work on my agenda."

"And what agenda is that?" asked Bela.

"Well, the Winchester boys have a particular gun that I am after…the Colt," said Ruby. She showed a picture of the weapon to Bela. "It has the ability to kill any supernatural being, among them…"

"Demons," said Bela. "So, I understand why you wanted the dagger I found for you."

"That…and sentimental value," responded Ruby.

After the bill was paid, Bela proceeded to leave. She felt uncomfortable when Ruby tagged along with her to the lobby.

"What are two beautiful ladies like you doing here all alone tonight?" asked a middle-aged man. His black hair looked unkempt, and matched with his crooked tie.

"I beg your pardon," responded Bela.

"Did your boyfriends stand you both up tonight?" asked the man. From his breath, it was obvious he had had a few too many martinis.

"Maybe," said Ruby flirtatiously, "They can be so brutish sometimes. Are you the knight in shining armor?"

"That depends. How much is the damsel in distress charging?" asked the man.

"Wow, how debonair," said Ruby. "In my time, we asked for the first-born child."

"Oooooo...like what happened to Rapunzel?" asked the man. He tried to stroke one of Ruby's blonde locks. She shifted just in time.

"Rapunzel was a fairy tale. Real witches used to boil the infants alive until their flesh evaporated. And then, they would harvest the organs for potions or trade. Back then, they didn't call it the black market," said Ruby.

Ruby grabbed the man's tie in a blink. She leaned forward to whisper into the man's ear. Bela stared, transfixed by the sweet malice in Ruby's voice. "So, what are you willing to spare…your liver or something else?" Ruby grabbed the man's crotch. But instead of arousal, he exhibited fear and disgust.

"I think I'd rather hit the bar again. Good evening to the both of you," said the man hurriedly.

Bela gave a feigned round of applause.

"No wonder you don't have any associates," said Bela.

"Honey…I am the associate," said Ruby.

It wasn't that Dean and Sam Winchester thwarted every deal that Ruby set up for her. Not like anybody would blame Bela. Well, the rabbit's foot incident did turn out lucrative. She did wind up with $46,000. But the money did not outweigh the risk. The same went for the Hand of Glory, an artifact that almost cost Bela her life. Even though the clock was ticking for her, Bela wanted to die on her own terms. While she did give them $10,000, part of that was from the $46,000 that Dean had won with those lottery tickets.

And the slate could have been wiped clean. But then, Gordon Walker just had to find the Winchesters. Bela told him their whereabouts on instinct. She wrestled with giving away the knowledge, since they did save her life. When Dean threatened to kill her, Bela decided to help them escape.

But the move might have been fortunate after all. Gordon did give Bela his mojo bag. She knew exactly how it might come in handy. Through a series of even fortunate events, Bela finally attained the Colt. She played upon the Winchesters' love for their father figure, Bobby Singer.

As she drove to the meeting place, Bela didn't know what to think. She could have savored the comeuppance on the Winchester boys. They made for easy prey on several occasions. But something gnawed at her. As frustrating as their altruism is, there was something rather endearing about them. Despite his machismo, Dean wasn't the typical chauvinist pig. Bela knew her share of those kinds of men. And Sam…so desperate to save his older brother…even willing to trust a demon.

Bela and Ruby were kindred spirits. They were the kind of women that mothers warned their sons about. But Bela didn't know what Ruby's end game was. She orchestrated so much for what? To get close to Sam Winchester. On one occasion, Bela followed Ruby and watched her interact with Sam. If Ruby knew that Bela was following her, she did not seem to mind. Perhaps Ruby figured that Bela could do nothing to stop her. Yet Bela had no urge to stop whatever it was that Ruby was doing.

She went to the address given to her. When she knocked on the door, a man opened it. He didn't make eye contact with Bela. He didn't need to say anything. Bela could always tell when Lilith was around. She smelled of dust, decay, and sex. Bela did not know which scent repulsed her the most.

It made her even more uncomfortable when she saw the source: a child. The odors were coming from the little girl that Lilith possessed. Lilith hissed, and the man rushed into another room. Bela could hear a woman crying. No doubt they were the young girl's parents.

"I brought you the Colt," uttered Bela, trying her best not to pinch her nose. Lilith reached out with cupped hands, and Bela planted the gun daintily.

"How impressive," purred Lilith, "You're a much better thief than Ruby described. I hear that the Winchester boys are quite formidable."

"Does this…does this mean I'm out of my contract?" asked Bela. She hadn't noticed how disoriented the room was. There were remains of a dead cat in the corner of the room. Its stomach was ripped open. Bela covered her mouth to hide her disgust.

"Now why would you think that?" asked Lilith. "I asked you to bring me the Colt and two dead Winchesters."

"You never told me to kill Sam and Dean," said a surprised Bela.

"Why would I need to explain that? Two for two, after all. I killed your parents, and you should kill two in return. I don't know why the concept is so difficult for you to grasp," said Lilith.

Lilith giggled. The sound horrified Bela. It was now obvious that Lilith had a "type." The girl resembled the girl that Bela confessed her molestation to.

"Besides, I have a feeling my little blonde demon is turning soft for Sam Winchester," said Lilith. "Do you know she didn't bother telling me about that dagger you retrieved for her? Such a naughty girl. I'm so disappointed in her."

The sight was almost comical. An ancient demon acting as furious as Shirley Temple.

"Crowley!" exclaimed Lilith.

Crowley exited a nearby room. No doubt the source of the woman's crying.

"Hello again, Bela," said Crowley, "How can I be of service, my queen?"

Bela looked away. She knew Crowley's penchant for making deals with people that they couldn't keep.

"I entrust this to you," said Lilith, "Be a dear boy and put this somewhere special."

"Of course," said Crowley. He flashed a sinister smile at Bela.

"As for you…kill Sam Winchester," said Lilith.

Bela looked perplexed.

"Dean is already on the chopping block. Sam, on the other hand, just might live," said Lilith.

"And what if Ruby tries to get to me first?" asked Bela. "She will be furious when she learns that I stole the Colt. She hired me to give it to her, after all."

"Ruby should cause little concern. But if you want to be cautious, use that mojo bag that you've been given. It will have plenty of hexes to throw off the trail."

"All right," said Bela. "Do I have your word?"

"My dear Abigail Syracuse…you really need to have faith," replied Lilith.

Bela cried on the drive back to her hotel. It wasn't that Lilith went back on the original deal. Nor was it seeing Crowley, as her past dealings with him always required an unsavory arrangement.

It was that name. It belonged to the person she tried to escape years ago. But Bela was never going to escape. After all, "collecting" was in the family business. And it was something thrust upon her. Her father Alexander molded her into what she is today. He preened and groomed her.

And the knowledge came in handy. Bela knew that she was speaking with a Crossroads Demon. She knew exactly what the deal would consist of. However, Bela truly believed that her knowledge would enable her to escape. Ruby was correct, after all. Bela was one of those Oxford girls that believed they could outsmart and outlast everyone. Bela looked into the rear view mirror, and saw her reflection. She had her grandmother's eyes. The only woman who refused to be conned by Alexander Syracuse. Abigail Syracuse adopted her grandmother's name…Isabella Talbot…or Bela Talbot. That was the only thing that Bela had to hold onto. Her future was tenuous at best. Dean was going to find her. Maybe he'd even be there when the Hellhounds arrived. But despite every bad choice that she made, Bela still had the name to hold onto. And that was all she needed.