Dean shoved Sam forward at his and Kenzi’s words, stepping out the door behind him.  He allowed him to have his space, but kept his eyes square on the back of his baby brother’s head.  A million thoughts went through his own head as they walked.  What if Sam had run away?  What if he had been successful?  What if he had’ve died?  What if this girl was leading him into some weird trap?  

He shook the thoughts from his head, brushing shoulders with Kenzi as he walked close to her as well.  He pulled his phone from his pocket, and dialed his dad.  John picked up on the first ring, causing Dean to clench his teeth.

“Dean?  Sam’s…”

“Missing?  Nah.  He’s with me, Dad.”, Dean answered, trying to sound casual and cheery behind his shaky voice.  He faked a smile to make it sound more authentic, “You know how he is.  He met some nerdy kid, and they ended up getting some drinks and chilling in the courtyard…”

“Really, Dean?  Because I’ve searched this entire motel.  There’s a girl missing.  Her mother is terrified.  I was going to go out and help her look for the girl, but I couldn’t find either of you.  Where are you?”, John spoke quickly, telling Dean he was packing a bag of tools to go out on his own.

“We took a walk before it got dark and got a bit…tangled up in the woods.  We’re fine.  We’re actually headed back, now.  If this is something you think you can handle, Dad…I can stay with Sammy.”

“Sam doesn’t need a babysitter.  But, considering the company, it might not be the worst idea for you to hang back.  Have you had any sleep?”, John asked, slinging his bag onto his back as he exited the hotel room, and nodded at a hunter outside.

“Um…no.  That’s what I was thinking.  He seems pretty beat. I figured we would just turn in for the night.  I have plenty of room.”, Dean lied, glancing back up at the back of Sam’s head.  He softened his face, still feeling a pang of guilt as they walked, “Check in, you hear?”

“I will.  Don’t leave the motel on foot.  We don’t know what’s going on here…”, John finished, before hanging up the phone.  Dean sighed deeply, speeding up enough to slap the back of his hand against Sam’s back.

“You’re clear…And you’re staying with me."