Best Laid Plans (4/11) - Mag 7/SPN/SV
This is the sequel to Ghost Town which should be read first.
Title: Best Laid Plans (4/11)
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Lyl_Devil and Pen37
Rated: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent 7, Smallville, Supernatural
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Chloe Sullivan; The Seven: Chris Larabee, Buck Wilmington, Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, JD Dunne; OMC - Mathew Tanner; Eventually - Sam/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators. Mathew Tanner is mine
Chapter Summary: The Winchesters head back to Four Corners. Chloe learns more about the ghosts and Mathew continues to have nightmares about Vin
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11: Epilogue
JD, Josiah, Vin, Chris, Buck, Nathan & Ezra
banner by scrollgirl
Best Laid Plans: Chapter 4
Arizona
“You sure about this, Sam? You think Matt’s in danger?” Dean asked his brother as he watched him hang up the phone with the lawyer.
“I can’t be sure. It’s not like my visions are in high definition but I definitely saw someone who looks a lot like him being shot in the head.” Sam shrugged. “For all I know it could have been Vin Tanner, they look enough alike. And the guy was dressed in Western gear but a vision of Vin doesn’t make as much sense.”
“At least, Matt gave us a good reason to be back in town.” Dean smiled. “We get to save his ass and get paid for delivering the info he needs. That never happens.” He stood and began collecting their things.
“I just don’t understand why I didn’t get any visions while we were there working the hunt.”
“I’ll call the vision fairy and ask,” Dean snickered.
“Seriously, maybe we did the wrong thing banishing those ghosts.”
“Dude, you did not just say that," Dean snapped.
Sam looked sideways at his brother, surprised at the emotion of his response. “I got the first vision right after we left town and the ghosts were in this last one. That can’t be a coincidence.”
“I wasn’t thrilled about moving them on and now you’re saying you agree. Tell the vision fairy her timing sucks.”
“Maybe we upset some sorta balance when we got rid of the six.”
Dean considered this. “Then we still have work to do,” he said as he slung his packed duffel over his shoulder and headed out the door.
***************************************
Four Corners, New Mexico
Mathew rejoined the group at the table, slumping into the empty chair between JD and Nathan.
“Who kicked your dog?” Buck asked noticing the pained expression on Tanner’s face.
“The Winchesters are coming back,” Mathew said. “I couldn’t really talk them out of it without it sounding suspicious.”
Chloe watched as the same pained expressions ran across each of the ghost’s faces. “What’s the big deal? Just don’t let them see you if they come to town. I sure won’t say anything about the switcheroo you pulled.”
“I suppose so.” Matt sighed and then sat up straighter as the rest of her words penetrated. “I’m guessing the boys filled you in. Does that mean you’re going to help?”
“Absolutely. The guys explained everything and I’m pretty sure I have some documents that will support your claims” She said and grinned at the ghosts. “Plus you guys are worth helping.”
“I knew I liked her from the moment I saw her,” Buck said.
“You like all women form the moment you see them,” Nathan teased.
Buck just shrugged and smiled at Chloe. “I just have a way with the ladies.”
Chloe returned his smile. “I bet you do.”
“Guess we better be getting back.”
“Come on Matt, stay. Chloe said she’d play poker with us,” JD pushed.
“Next time, JD,” Mathew said. “To be honest I’d like get going before Chris gets back.”
“Me too,” Chloe said. “He’s a bit scary. What’s his problem?”
“Chris ain’t been himself lately,” Nathan admitted. “He’s just been getting angrier all the time.”
“And he was pretty angry to begin with,” JD added.
“Now Chris ain’t no different than he’s always been,” Buck insisted and glared at the others for not defending their friend. “He ain’t that scary once you get to know him, Chloe, I swear. He’s just - well he’s under a lot of pressure.” Buck said sounding as much like he was trying to convince himself as Chloe.
She just nodded at Buck but silently wondered what kind of pressure would be enough to trouble a ghost that much.
“Do not worry yourself, Mathew; we will inform Mr. Larabee of the reason for Miss Sullivan’s visit.” Ezra assured him. “But I agree. It is best you both vacate the premises before he escapes Josiah’s care.”
“Well, it was very nice to meet you all. I hope to get back here very soon. I really want to hear all about your experiences as the law in this town,” Chloe said.
As she rose to leave, the four ghosts stood. “It was a pleasure to meet you too darlin’ and we look forward to your return,” Buck said with a tip of his hat.
The others echoed Bucks sentiments and copied his gesture of farewell
“Such gentlemen,” Chloe said as she nodded her head in response and followed Mathew out of the saloon.
“Now that was one classy lady,” Nathan said.
“Very pretty, too. I’d sure like to get to know her better,” Buck said as he watched her through the saloon window, his meaning clear to the others
“Ain’t gonna happen, Buck,” JD said and laughed when the big man glared at him. “Since you like Chloe so much I say you get to tell Chris about her.”
“Not me. I think you just volunteered, JD. Right guys?” Nathan and Ezra nodded in agreement.
“Now wait a minute.”
“He’ll be here soon, JD. I suggest you prepare your presentation,” Ezra said as he and the others blinked out.
“That’s not fair guys,” he shouted at the ceiling.
“JD, what the hell is going on and where's Matt?” Chris growled as he reappeared in the saloon, glare fixed on the youngest of the six.
JD did the only prudent thing he could think of and disappeared.
****************************************
Chloe spent the entire drive back peppering Mathew with questions about the ghosts and the town while sharing some of her more unusual experiences having grown up in Smallville, Kansas.
Mathew shared all he knew about the events that he believed led to the creation of the ghosts. “Of course, the guys themselves might know more, but they don’t talk much about it.”
Chloe nodded. “I’m sure it would be a painful memory. That is if they remember the actual event itself. I wonder why Vin never went ghost.”
Mathew shook his head. “I really don’t know that much about him, but don’t bother asking them. I guarantee they won’t talk about Vin. You think Chris is scary now, just try and ask him about my ancestor.”
“Bite my head off?”
“More likely glare you to death,” Mathew laughed.
“He does have one heck of a stare. Might even get me to shut-up,” she said returning his laugh.
“The woman who stood toe-to-toe with Lex Luthor cowed by one of Chris Larabee’s glares? Now that I’d like to see.”
“Don’t hold your breath. I may be reckless sometimes but I’m not stupid.”
“Now, about the Winchesters?” he pushed.
“No worries. My lips are sealed. I understand you don’t know me very well, but I promise I’m very good at keeping secrets.”
Mathew took his eyes off the road momentarily to glance at Chloe. It was hard to believe he’d known her less than twenty-four hours and yet he felt a connection to her; trusted her. Maybe because she was the first person who shared his secret about the ghosts and seemed just as invested as he was in keeping them out of the public eye. “Of that, I have no doubt. I want to make sure you understand the danger they represent to the six.”
“I do,” she promised. “Though I’d like to know more about what the Winchesters do. Cross country ghost hunters. Sounds like an odd way to make a living.”
“I don’t think they get paid.”
“So - what? They do it for the adrenaline rush?”
Mathew shrugged. “You’d have to ask them. They’ll be here in the morning.”
He maneuvered the car into the circular driveway of the hotel. “See you in the morning,” he said as Chloe opened the door and retrieved her bag.
She leaned back into the open window, “I’ll collect everything I have and be at your office by 9:00AM.”
“It’s a date,” he said. She stepped back and they exchanged a polite wave as he drove off.
*****************************
At 3:00AM, Mathew found himself once again staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror; awoken by the nightmares that would not let him rest.
He stepped back into the bedroom. “Damn it Vin. What are you trying to tell me?” He shouted at the empty room. Collapsing onto the bed he stared at the ceiling.
Silence answered his inquiry. He’d called his siblings earlier and there had been no recriminations. Jason had even offered to come help run interference with the Winchesters but Mathew had insisted he could handle it. If it wasn’t guilt, then what was the reason for his nightmares?
With a resigned sigh, he rose and pulled his jeans from the pile on the floor. He needed answers and the only people who could help him were the ones who wouldn’t talk about Vin. This time he wasn’t backing down. A few more nights like this and it wouldn’t matter. Hell, they’d be carting him off to the loony bin soon, he thought. Lack of sleep was making him crazy.
He snatched his car keys off the dresser and headed out to Four Corners.
Title: Best Laid Plans (4/11)
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Lyl_Devil and Pen37
Rated: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent 7, Smallville, Supernatural
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Chloe Sullivan; The Seven: Chris Larabee, Buck Wilmington, Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, JD Dunne; OMC - Mathew Tanner; Eventually - Sam/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators. Mathew Tanner is mine
Chapter Summary: The Winchesters head back to Four Corners. Chloe learns more about the ghosts and Mathew continues to have nightmares about Vin
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11: Epilogue
JD, Josiah, Vin, Chris, Buck, Nathan & Ezra
banner by scrollgirl
Best Laid Plans: Chapter 4
Arizona
“You sure about this, Sam? You think Matt’s in danger?” Dean asked his brother as he watched him hang up the phone with the lawyer.
“I can’t be sure. It’s not like my visions are in high definition but I definitely saw someone who looks a lot like him being shot in the head.” Sam shrugged. “For all I know it could have been Vin Tanner, they look enough alike. And the guy was dressed in Western gear but a vision of Vin doesn’t make as much sense.”
“At least, Matt gave us a good reason to be back in town.” Dean smiled. “We get to save his ass and get paid for delivering the info he needs. That never happens.” He stood and began collecting their things.
“I just don’t understand why I didn’t get any visions while we were there working the hunt.”
“I’ll call the vision fairy and ask,” Dean snickered.
“Seriously, maybe we did the wrong thing banishing those ghosts.”
“Dude, you did not just say that," Dean snapped.
Sam looked sideways at his brother, surprised at the emotion of his response. “I got the first vision right after we left town and the ghosts were in this last one. That can’t be a coincidence.”
“I wasn’t thrilled about moving them on and now you’re saying you agree. Tell the vision fairy her timing sucks.”
“Maybe we upset some sorta balance when we got rid of the six.”
Dean considered this. “Then we still have work to do,” he said as he slung his packed duffel over his shoulder and headed out the door.
***************************************
Four Corners, New Mexico
Mathew rejoined the group at the table, slumping into the empty chair between JD and Nathan.
“Who kicked your dog?” Buck asked noticing the pained expression on Tanner’s face.
“The Winchesters are coming back,” Mathew said. “I couldn’t really talk them out of it without it sounding suspicious.”
Chloe watched as the same pained expressions ran across each of the ghost’s faces. “What’s the big deal? Just don’t let them see you if they come to town. I sure won’t say anything about the switcheroo you pulled.”
“I suppose so.” Matt sighed and then sat up straighter as the rest of her words penetrated. “I’m guessing the boys filled you in. Does that mean you’re going to help?”
“Absolutely. The guys explained everything and I’m pretty sure I have some documents that will support your claims” She said and grinned at the ghosts. “Plus you guys are worth helping.”
“I knew I liked her from the moment I saw her,” Buck said.
“You like all women form the moment you see them,” Nathan teased.
Buck just shrugged and smiled at Chloe. “I just have a way with the ladies.”
Chloe returned his smile. “I bet you do.”
“Guess we better be getting back.”
“Come on Matt, stay. Chloe said she’d play poker with us,” JD pushed.
“Next time, JD,” Mathew said. “To be honest I’d like get going before Chris gets back.”
“Me too,” Chloe said. “He’s a bit scary. What’s his problem?”
“Chris ain’t been himself lately,” Nathan admitted. “He’s just been getting angrier all the time.”
“And he was pretty angry to begin with,” JD added.
“Now Chris ain’t no different than he’s always been,” Buck insisted and glared at the others for not defending their friend. “He ain’t that scary once you get to know him, Chloe, I swear. He’s just - well he’s under a lot of pressure.” Buck said sounding as much like he was trying to convince himself as Chloe.
She just nodded at Buck but silently wondered what kind of pressure would be enough to trouble a ghost that much.
“Do not worry yourself, Mathew; we will inform Mr. Larabee of the reason for Miss Sullivan’s visit.” Ezra assured him. “But I agree. It is best you both vacate the premises before he escapes Josiah’s care.”
“Well, it was very nice to meet you all. I hope to get back here very soon. I really want to hear all about your experiences as the law in this town,” Chloe said.
As she rose to leave, the four ghosts stood. “It was a pleasure to meet you too darlin’ and we look forward to your return,” Buck said with a tip of his hat.
The others echoed Bucks sentiments and copied his gesture of farewell
“Such gentlemen,” Chloe said as she nodded her head in response and followed Mathew out of the saloon.
“Now that was one classy lady,” Nathan said.
“Very pretty, too. I’d sure like to get to know her better,” Buck said as he watched her through the saloon window, his meaning clear to the others
“Ain’t gonna happen, Buck,” JD said and laughed when the big man glared at him. “Since you like Chloe so much I say you get to tell Chris about her.”
“Not me. I think you just volunteered, JD. Right guys?” Nathan and Ezra nodded in agreement.
“Now wait a minute.”
“He’ll be here soon, JD. I suggest you prepare your presentation,” Ezra said as he and the others blinked out.
“That’s not fair guys,” he shouted at the ceiling.
“JD, what the hell is going on and where's Matt?” Chris growled as he reappeared in the saloon, glare fixed on the youngest of the six.
JD did the only prudent thing he could think of and disappeared.
****************************************
Chloe spent the entire drive back peppering Mathew with questions about the ghosts and the town while sharing some of her more unusual experiences having grown up in Smallville, Kansas.
Mathew shared all he knew about the events that he believed led to the creation of the ghosts. “Of course, the guys themselves might know more, but they don’t talk much about it.”
Chloe nodded. “I’m sure it would be a painful memory. That is if they remember the actual event itself. I wonder why Vin never went ghost.”
Mathew shook his head. “I really don’t know that much about him, but don’t bother asking them. I guarantee they won’t talk about Vin. You think Chris is scary now, just try and ask him about my ancestor.”
“Bite my head off?”
“More likely glare you to death,” Mathew laughed.
“He does have one heck of a stare. Might even get me to shut-up,” she said returning his laugh.
“The woman who stood toe-to-toe with Lex Luthor cowed by one of Chris Larabee’s glares? Now that I’d like to see.”
“Don’t hold your breath. I may be reckless sometimes but I’m not stupid.”
“Now, about the Winchesters?” he pushed.
“No worries. My lips are sealed. I understand you don’t know me very well, but I promise I’m very good at keeping secrets.”
Mathew took his eyes off the road momentarily to glance at Chloe. It was hard to believe he’d known her less than twenty-four hours and yet he felt a connection to her; trusted her. Maybe because she was the first person who shared his secret about the ghosts and seemed just as invested as he was in keeping them out of the public eye. “Of that, I have no doubt. I want to make sure you understand the danger they represent to the six.”
“I do,” she promised. “Though I’d like to know more about what the Winchesters do. Cross country ghost hunters. Sounds like an odd way to make a living.”
“I don’t think they get paid.”
“So - what? They do it for the adrenaline rush?”
Mathew shrugged. “You’d have to ask them. They’ll be here in the morning.”
He maneuvered the car into the circular driveway of the hotel. “See you in the morning,” he said as Chloe opened the door and retrieved her bag.
She leaned back into the open window, “I’ll collect everything I have and be at your office by 9:00AM.”
“It’s a date,” he said. She stepped back and they exchanged a polite wave as he drove off.
*****************************
At 3:00AM, Mathew found himself once again staring at his reflection in the bathroom mirror; awoken by the nightmares that would not let him rest.
He stepped back into the bedroom. “Damn it Vin. What are you trying to tell me?” He shouted at the empty room. Collapsing onto the bed he stared at the ceiling.
Silence answered his inquiry. He’d called his siblings earlier and there had been no recriminations. Jason had even offered to come help run interference with the Winchesters but Mathew had insisted he could handle it. If it wasn’t guilt, then what was the reason for his nightmares?
With a resigned sigh, he rose and pulled his jeans from the pile on the floor. He needed answers and the only people who could help him were the ones who wouldn’t talk about Vin. This time he wasn’t backing down. A few more nights like this and it wouldn’t matter. Hell, they’d be carting him off to the loony bin soon, he thought. Lack of sleep was making him crazy.
He snatched his car keys off the dresser and headed out to Four Corners.