Saint Souffrance (An Oracle Winchester Dark Romance Mystery)

By Shanna B. Talley

Curses abound as angels fall from the heavens to enact vengeance against the mortal sinners...

After the events of Mardi Gras, Oracle Winchester wanted nothing more to get back to her normal life and routine, but that wasn't going to happen. A phantom killer has been stalking the halls of Nola General Hospital for nearly a century and has no plans of stopping and Oracle is pulled into a centuries old curse that was still alive and well into the modern age.
Oracle has spent the last year settling into her new romance with Drake Blackthorne and delving deeper into each new erotic experience with him. Their romance is not without its pitfalls and problems as her stalker has grown bolder and more threatening to Oracle.

She was on edge with every text message, every call and every gift that he left to remind her of the dark past she tried so hard to forget. Drake had also grown suspicious of her secretive behavior, as her memories unlock darkness from her past. Her only recourse would be to tell Drake everything, but was she willing to place him in harm's way by revealing the truth? But Drake was no longer the only one who wanted to know more of Oracle's past. Victor Truman was getting closer to the truth and will expose her no matter what the cost may be.
A former flame has now returned to Oracle's life, and she couldn't be happier to have Quinn back. However, does that mean her relationship with Drake is in peril? She is willing to continue opening her heart to Drake, but Quinn's presence stirs up old feelings in Oracle that she cannot ignore.
Can Oracle catch the phantom stalker before he strikes again or will someone close to her become the latest victim in the long line of people she has crossed paths with?

The danger surrounding Oracle and those she holds dear grows exponentially by the day as bodies drop at her feet by her stalker.

He is watching, waiting, and willing to destroy everything Oracle has built.

Just as the Saint Souffrance is wreaking vengeance in Nola General, Oracle's stalker is doing the same around the French Quarter.

Bodies fall, angels kill and blood soaks the cobblestone streets of New Orleans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shanna B. Talley
• Release date: Dec 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370000920

Shanna B. Talley

I love books and have been writing for 13 years. I have found that some things in the world are best in fictional print and love bringing that to life. I make myself the main character to experience things I haven't in my real-world life. It's more fun that way. I love animals and magic and spend a great deal of time hiking and writing and finding inspiration for new series.

Book preview

Prologue

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Let us give ourselves indiscriminately to everything our passions suggest, and we will always be happy...Conscience is not the voice of Nature but only the voice of prejudice.

-Marquis De Sade

Prologue

Curses of old should stay buried beneath the shadows of open wings. Warring families have dissipated over the centuries but those that remain, along with the grudges held, whisper to the angel of vengeance and the angel hears them all. It knows when your time is at hand and sins in your soul. Be wary, the angel will find you no matter where you try to hide.

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Chapter I

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I am fine Drake. I swear. Oracle sat up and tried to take off the oxygen mask but the medic next to her shook his head.

Miss Winchester, I need you to keep that on for the time being and stop talking. Drake hid a smile as she sat back on the gurney and crossed her arms.

Drake pulled one of her hands into his and Oracle squeezed it and gave him a reassuring smile. The ambulance ride to the hospital had been delayed by the last night of parades throughout the Quarter and getting through the crowds and around the floats had proven to be a nightmare within the nightmare she had experienced. Thirty minutes later, they arrived at the ER entrance and Oracle was taken inside with Drake close behind. Once she was placed in a bed, the nurses and on staff doctor undressed the wounds which had soaked through the bandages with her blood. Her neck hadn’t needed more than a few stitches, but they had to be certain she had no internal injuries due to the crime scene and injuries she suffered.

Ian, Samira and Mac arrived as Oracle was wheeled out for x-rays and sat down in the waiting room with Drake who paced back and forth, waiting for the doctors to return. Ian held Samira’s hand and Mac looked stoic as he stared at the doors and waited for news that Oracle was okay. The minutes ticked by as Drake grew more anxious and he felt the rage fill up over the inability yet again to have kept her out of harm’s way. Mac stayed on his phone and got updates from the crime scene and confirmed the Zodiac had finally been eliminated by his own hand.

My guys at the scene said it’s a fucking circus down there. Victor Truman is front and center with the rest of the media frenzy. It’s going to be a few days before we can clear the scene and get all the evidence, but it looks like Oracle was able to catch The Zodiac.

Drake nodded and looked to Ian and his face was expressionless.

Moments later the doctor walked out and over to them, and they rushed over to him for an update.

Miss Winchester is fine. Bruises, contusions, bruised ribs and a few abrasions but other than that, she is going to be fine. I recommended that she stay overnight for observation, but Miss Winchester refused. She is in a room right now and I will sign her release papers as soon as we get back her bloodwork and x-rays. You are welcome to go up to sit with her.

The collective relief was felt with everyone as the doctor walked them down the hallway and up the elevators to the 4th floor of the hospital. It was a bit less chaotic and quieter than in the ER as they were shown into her room.

Oracle looked up to the shocked looks on everyone’s faces as they walked in.

Holy fucking shit Oracle! You look like a Carrie stand in! Samira ran over to her as Oracle winced when she hugged her.

Ow, still in a bit of pain sis. Samira released her death vice grip and nodded with a few tears in her eyes.

Sorry! Okay so Ian and I will go home and get the house ready and stuff and make sure that no serial killers are lurking around. Oracle faked a small laugh as she and Ian exchanged glances that only Drake noticed.

I need to get back to the crime scene too. I wanted to make sure that you were okay. I will swing by tomorrow to get your statement and you will stay home to rest and only leave to go to the doctor. Got it? Mac crossed his arms and waited for her to respond.

Alright drill sergeant. Oracle muttered.

Mac walked out smirking as his phone went off and left Drake and Oracle alone. The second the door shut, Oracle tried to get off the bed and Drake shook his head.

Oracle the doctor just stitched you up, stay put for a damn moment, will you? Drake grumbled and Oracle shook her head and held out her arm to him.

Help me out of this bed, I need to see how bad the damage is. Sir. Winking at Drake who sighed in defeat, Oracle took his hand as Drake helped her out of the bed into the bathroom and the expletives that flowed from her mouth were well warranted.

Oh, jesus fucking hell, I totally ruined this goddamn dress. Doubt the Mardi Gras committee will even allow me near a float or their fancy party next year. Samira was right, I look like a really pissed off Carrie. Fucking shit. Dad is going to have a fucking coronary and lock me in a tower if he sees this shit.

Drake snickered as Oracle looked over to him and rolled her eyes. Trying to pull the crown from her tangled mess of hair, she realized it was a fruitless effort.

I really hope that doctor releases me soon, I need to get the fuck out of this shit. Walking out, Oracle looked up at Drake and he was horrified by all the bandages that covered her and the bruises on her face.

Oracle, can you tell me what happened tonight? Drake asked and before she replied, the doctor came back in and gave her the release papers to sign.

I want you back in tomorrow so we can check you out and assure you are okay. I have a few prescriptions you need to take every day. Do not miss your appointment tomorrow. Understand? He said, handing the paperwork to Drake who nodded.

I will bring her in myself. Drake replied as the doctor walked to the door and turned back to Oracle. You know you really look like Carrie. It’s all the blood and the crown that gives it away. He walked out and chuckled as Drake laughed with him.

Why does everyone keep saying that? It’s not that fucking bad! If this keeps up, I may have to burn this place down with my mind. Ugh, just take me home already please. Oracle snapped and took Drakes arm. The pain had begun to settle as Drake walked her out and down the elevators to the front of the hospital but realized his error the moment the flashbulbs began to go off when the doors opened. A huge sea of reporters stood out in front and blocked the entrance, as they pushed their way through the crowd and Spencer was able to get Oracle and Drake in the car and drove away from all the insanity. Taking multiple detours, they made it back to the dark and quiet street of Oracles home.

Spencer helped Oracle out of the car and up the sidewalk to her front door where Ian and Samira were waiting. Helping her up the stairs, Samira did her best not to touch any of Oracles wounds and as she walked her onto the bedroom, Samira shut the door and turned to Oracle.

What the fuck happened tonight? How do you keep getting into these situations? I don’t understand how you attract so much crazy and danger to you Oracle. I swear if I didn’t know any better, I would think you enjoy it. I mean hell, what a weird fucking life you have. Are you sure that Drake isn’t the problem? I mean all this weird shit has happened the minute he started seeing you. Samira blurted out and Oracle sighed in response.

Believe me sister, the weird shit happened long before Drake ever showed up. Oracle muttered and Samira’s gaze fell on Oracles bandages and blood on her dress.

I want to ask you about something. I know it’s a weird time, but it’s been sitting in my mind for years. It’s about Jack. Oracles head snapped up and before she could reply, her phone vibrated, and it was Henry calling.

Did you tell dad what happened? Oracle held up the phone and Samira shook her head.

Not me. Ian. Doing his job. Dads orders. I will go get more towels and stuff so you can get cleaned up. Samira rushed out as Oracle groaned and readied herself for the inevitable lecture that was waiting on the other end of the call. Pressing the answer button, Oracle braced for impact.

Oracle Anastasia Winchester! What in the hell happened tonight? I swear if I didn’t know any better, I would think that you enjoy putting your life in peril.

Oh Christ on a corn dog daddy, Samira asked the same thing, and I am going to give you the same answer, no! I don’t do this deliberately. Sighing loudly, Oracle listened to Henry lecture her on the reason to have Ian as her guard and the constant need of hers to put her life in danger on a daily basis.

Oracle, are you even listening to me? Henry snapped and Oracle replied.

Yes dad, I am listening. I don’t do it on purpose. It’s my job and I did take all the precautions I could. It’s not my fault that serial killers are getting smarter. That I cannot help. All I can do is my job. Hearing him sigh, Oracle felt a twinge of guilt snapping at him when he was doing his fatherly duty of trying to protect her.

Sweetheart I am doing my best not to lecture but it seems every time you turn around, there is another serial killer trying to kill you. This all started with that bastard Jack. He took my little girl and destroyed her innocence. I just wish I had seen it sooner, maybe if I had, we could have avoided all of this.

Oracle sat in silence for a moment before she replied. Dad I am fine. He didn’t break me, I was just a girl in love, or what I thought was love. I had no idea what kind of monster he was. No one did.

Downstairs, Drake heard Oracle raising her voice and rushed up the stairs to check on her, the bedroom door was partially ajar as he heard Henry’s voice coming through her phone. He stood in silence as he heard the name that Oracle hated more than anything in the world.

That sonofabitch Jack, he was always a monster. It’s a good thing he is gone. For good. He stopped for a second and Oracle knew what he meant but she was certain Ian hadn’t told Henry about the disclosure to Oracle of Jacks demise.

Dad really, darkness finds me in all forms. It’s up to me to either face them head on and do something about it, or just be passive and let it take me down. If I hide, then I can’t help people. Daddy I can’t promise to stay out of trouble, but I can promise to do everything I can to not attract so much darkness. In a way, I have to thank Jack for what he did to me.

Oracle heard her father cough loudly and even Drake was surprised by her words.

Did you get a concussion along with your other injuries or something? Why the hell would you be thankful to that sick fucking bastard who raped you, manipulated, abused and scarred you for life? He cut you open and bled you out until you nearly died. He tried to throw you off a building, three times! Why in the hell would you show any gratitude to that bastard?

Taking a deep breath, Oracle looked down at the bloody dress, the bandages and replied to him.

It’s because of Jack, of what he did that partially shaped me into who I am today. Because of him, I can see the signs, the markers of a serial killer. I can help stop them. I was a teenager, a child basically, and he used that to make me think that was love, but it wasn’t. I can see that now but now I can use my experience to help stop that from happening to other girls and women. So that I can maybe save their life unlike the girls Jack killed.

Oracle looked to her dresser, where her necklace sat, the one Jack had given her and a memory surfaced from her adolescence. One that was inconsequential at the time it was formed, but in that moment, opened up another question in her mind.

It was a quiet afternoon, school had let out early and Oracle had declined to go into D.C. with her friends to shop for clothes for the bonfire party that was happening a few weeks later. She told them it was because she had an AP history paper due, but it was a lie. She didn’t want them to see her in the dressing rooms. Jack had gotten rough with Oracle and there were bruises all over her back and stomach. He told her that it was because he loved her so much that she needed to be marked by him and Oracle believed his words. He made her swear not to tell anyone, and she never did. She had been home for an hour before he showed up, with a bouquet of flowers and a book of poetry. But there was something strange about it. It was well read, the spine was broken which didn’t matter but there were stains on it. Reddish brown and when she opened it up, a name was in the corner in faded ink. It was girls name. Emily.

The last name was illegible, and the memory faded, but the question was now solidified in her mind. Who was Emily?

Oracle? Did I lose you? Henry’s voice broke through the faded memory as Oracle cleared her throat.

Sorry daddy, just a strange memory just came to me. I really hate talking about Jack, but he wasn’t the only one to help form me into who I am. Daddy, you were too. You taught me to differentiate right from wrong, to always stand up for those who needed help and for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. You taught me to be a protector of the innocent. So, that’s what I am doing. Yes, my life is in peril, no matter what but it’s my life dad. She replied.

Henry knew there was no more arguing with her, but he still had gut feeling that Oracle wasn’t telling him everything. She was entirely too much like him in that sense.

I am also concerned about your relationship with Drake Blackthorne. I just don’t like him. I see how he stares at you, and it seems that you jumped into a serious commitment with him rather quickly. I just don’t want you to get hurt. If he does anything at all to you that is harmful, I will kill him. You got that Blackthorne? Oracle looked up and saw Drake as he walked into her room, and she could do nothing but shake her head.

Daddy, I hate it when you do that. I should go, I am really tired, and I need to get this goddamn blood-soaked dress and fucking tiara off. Love you.

Love you too Stasia. Sweet dreams. Oh, and Drake? I got eyes on you. Never forget that. Henry ended the call as Drake set down his drink and looked at Oracle.

Hope no eyes on me now because I am about to strip his daughter naked and have my wicked way with her.

Oracle laughed as he helped her up and into the bathroom. Once the dress was peeled off, Drake carefully helped Oracle get the tiara out of her hair and untangled the mess. She stepped into the hot water as he carefully sponged off her skin, the soapy water tinged red as he soaped up her hair and rinsed it clean.

Okay, the doctor said you need to take painkillers to help you sleep and first thing tomorrow we are going back in to get you checked out. Got it?

Oracle nodded and let him dress her in pajamas before laying her down in bed.

I will be right back. Going to take a quick shower. He went into the bathroom as Oracle's meds began to take effect. Her eyes became drowsier, but a jarring sound shocked them back open. Her phone lit up with a text message and it was from what she feared. The stalker. The picture message she opened was of her, on the floor of the mansion as she held Charlie in her arms.

So sad, you couldn’t save this one. Don’t worry. He isn’t the last one you won’t be able to save.

Fuck. Fucking hell. Oracle had yet to get any type of clue on who the stalker was, but he was there. The painkillers had set in even deeper, and she had no choice but to give in and close her eyes to sleep. The bandages around her throat and arms itched against her skin and she had to restrain herself from pulling at them. Oracle finally fell into a deep sleep before Drake finished his shower and when he came out of the bathroom, she was breathing evenly and quietly.

Her bandages around her throat were stark white against the dark sheets and the visual of it angered Drake. He wasn’t one to agree with Henry, but he was right. Oracle put herself in danger. All the time. He wasn’t certain if it was deliberate or on a subconscious level that she gravitated toward things that put her life in peril on a constant basis.

Drake stared at her for a moment and pondered what memory had hit her in the conversation with Henry. It had to do with Jack and Drake couldn’t ask her until the morning about it. Whatever it was, Oracle was disturbed by it. He sat down in the chair across from the bed and watched her sleep for a while.

Her phone was silent the entire evening and eventually, Drake fell asleep in the chair.

Oracle slumbered peacefully through the night and when she awoke the following morning, Drake was passed out in her chair by the window. She smiled but it was short lived when she tried to move.

Oh goddammit. This hurts worse today. Drake didn’t stir as she spoke, and she tried to get up with better success the second time.

Drake, hey wake up. She kicked his foot, and he woke up with a start.

Oh, morning my dear. What are you doing out of bed? He got up and tried to put her back in bed, but she wasn’t having it.

I need breakfast. Then we have to get to my doctor’s appointment. Then I have to get to the station to give my statement to Mac and get back to work. I have cases that need to be worked on as well.

Drake sighed and shook his head at her.

No, you are to be taking it easy. You nearly died last night. I swear you really need to slow down. She winced as he put his hand on her lower back and looked up at him.

I am fine. If I stay in bed all day I will be bored and antsy. So, let’s get a move on.

Walking to the door, Drake pulled her hand back and turned Oracle around.

I need to ask you something. Last night, when you were talking to Henry.

Oh when you were listening at the store in a creepy stalker way? Oracle smirked and Drake grinned back at her.

Yes, exactly, what memory were you talking about? I know it had to do with Jack. What was the memory? Drake waited for her to answer, and Oracle hesitated for a moment to formulate an answer that didn’t give Drake too much information.

It was a book he gave me. Poetry but I can’t recall the title. It was an apology for hurting me and I forgave him. As I always did. Her voice was raspy and low as Drake squeezed her hand.

Do you still have it? He asked and Oracle shook her head.

I doubt it. I don’t have a lot of what he gave me. The lie slid past her lips as Oracle opened the door but unbeknownst to her, Drake knew she was lying.

Walking out into the hallway, Oracle ran right into Samira who held a tray of breakfast food and orange juice.

Hey! I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed, but you are up! Get back in bed woman. Samira juggled the tray and pointed back into Oracle’s room.

Oracle sighed and brushed past her. I have stuff to do, so I am going to eat in the kitchen and then get ready to go to the doctor. I need you to go to the office and get some case files ready and I will be there later this afternoon.

Taking the tray from Samira, Oracle walked down the stairs to eat. Drake threw up his hands in defeat as Samira looked back at him, shook her head and followed Oracle down. Ian walked out of his room and saw Oracle turn into the kitchen.

Hey, I know you are not out of bed woman.

She turned and smiled. If one more person says the word bed to me, I am going to start swinging. Yes, I am out of bed, bandaged up and about ready to go. We have places to be today so get dressed and let me eat. Ian stopped and knew there was no arguing with Oracle.

Fine. Be ready in 20. He took her juice from the tray and walked back to his room.

Ten minutes later, Drake heard Oracle's phone go off as he got ready and went to pick it up. The damn thing was locked, and the message was from an unknown number. He stared at it for a moment as Oracle walked in and saw him with her phone in hand.

What are you doing with my phone? Her voice was tinged with panic as she grabbed it from him and went into the bathroom. She unlocked it and the message was there. From her stalker. Goddammit. Drake knocked on the door, but she refused to open it.

Hope you slept well whore. You will never sleep again. Goddamn dramatic bullshit.

Oracle opened the door and held the phone up with the message. Drake quickly read it and shook his head.

No way you are going to work today. Drake replied as Oracle stared him down.

Oh I am. Not going to let this fuck get the upper hand any longer. I am over this shit.

I fucking said you are not going in today! Now you listen to me sugar, right now I am your Dom, I said you are not going into work and that word is fucking final. Drake growled as Oracle turned around and glared at him.

Are you fucking kidding me right now? I fucking dare you to try and stop me Drake. Dare you. Go ahead. Make your fucking move. Oracle stood her ground in front of Drake, waiting for him to do or say something.

After the longest silence, Drake knew he wasn’t going to win the battle. All he could do was go along with whatever she had planned and did what he could in any capacity to keep her safe, but it wasn’t going to be without consequence.

Leaning down, Drake grabbed Oracles chin and forced her gaze to his.

I will concede this round to you due to the injuries you suffered but don’t think for a moment I won’t forget it. This is one. Leaning in, Drake kissed Oracle roughly, grabbing her ass with both hands and pulled her into his chest as his erection pushed into her stomach and when he pulled away, Oracle was left breathless and speechless. Oracle was in more trouble than she knew.

Chapter II

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Ian heard the raised voices and rushed up the stairs to intervene. Oracle pushed Drake back just as Ian burst into the room and looked at Drake.

What the fuck are you doing yelling at Oracle? She is still wrapped in gauze from being attacked and you thought it was a great idea to push yourself on her or pick a goddamn fight? What the fuck are you thinking? Ian shouted at Drake as Oracle pushed between them and handed him her phone.

Got more messages from my stalker. He was there last night, Ian. At the fucking crime scene. He had a camera in the room and took photos of me outside the house when I escaped. He was there when I was put in the ambulance. I saw him in the crowd of people. I may have been out of it, but he was there. Ian, he had been in contact with Charlie, The Zodiac Reaper. Before he died, Charlie told me Death was always watching, waiting for me. He was pulling the strings on some levels.

Ian and Drake looked at each other gravely as Oracle pushed past them and grabbed her phone from Ian.

Do you have any fucking leads yet? I haven’t had time obviously to try to find out anything, but I have shit to go on. All we know is that it’s not Jack, it’s not Solomon Beauchamp but it’s obviously someone who wants to make me relive my past. Torture me with it. Ian, I don’t know how to stop it.

Neither Ian nor Drake said anything as Oracle pushed past them and went down to the car.

He was there, why didn’t he make a move? No one would have known she was there, and he had a chance to kill her when The Reaper didn’t, so why leave her alive? Drake looked at Ian who shook his head.

I don’t know. It makes no sense. None of this makes any sense. Torturing her with things from her past, yeah, but not killing her. Maybe that’s what it’s about. The game of torture, of having Oracle on edge, looking over her shoulder and reliving her past that she wants to forget, that’s what matters most to her stalker. My team hasn’t found anything yet. He is a fucking ghost and covers his tracks. He hasn’t been spotted by me or my team, anywhere. Ian replied and Drake could hear the frustration in his tone.

He attacked Oracle here at her house, I saw him across the street at my home and he nearly ran Patrick off the sidewalk and shot Lucian. My security detail hasn’t seen him either and that is worrisome. If we hadn’t had encounters with him I could swear he was a fucking ghost. Oracle is keeping more to herself and that also worries me. I found books in her library with photos in them, of her and Jack. I don’t know why she would keep them.

Ian stood silent and thought for a moment.

What if she didn’t? Did you find them before we installed all the cameras? Ian asked and Drake nodded.

Then it had to be the stalker. Keep this between us for now. Are you going to the hospital?

Drake nodded and they walked out of Oracles room, not knowing Samira heard every word they said.

Once in the car, Oracle sat in the back, silent as they drove to the hospital and Drake wasn’t going to push her. Pulling into the hospital parking lot, there was nary a reporter in sight much to Oracle’s relief but that was short lived once they got inside. Victor Truman was front and center by the check in desk.

Goddammit. Oracle muttered as Victor walked over to the trio.

Well Miss Winchester, good to see you up and around. Such a terrible thing that happened. Do you have a moment to give me an exclusive on what happened? His wolfish grin was quickly gone when Ian and Drake stepped in between Victor and Oracle.

Miss Winchester has nothing to say. So, move. Ian grumbled as Drake stared Victor down. The standoff lasted only a few seconds, but Victor knew when he was outnumbered.

That’s alright Miss Winchester, I will catch you soon. You always have something dramatic and deadly happening around you. Just a matter of time. I will wait. His smirk irritated Oracle as they walked to the elevators and up to the 4th floor to the doctor’s office. There was a bit of a commotion in the hallway when the door opened with a few of the nursing staff and a younger woman who stood next to a gurney with a body on it under a sheet.

I don’t understand what the fuck happened! You are supposed to be fucking healers or whatever. You didn’t do your job good enough and now my mother is fucking dead. She was fine last night. Now she is a goddamn cold corpse. No soul, no heartbeat, NOTHING! Where the fuck is the goddamn doctor? Find him. Right fucking now. I am not moving, and neither is her body until I get fucking answers. NOW! The woman shouted as the nurse tried to calm her, but the words fell on deaf ears.

Miss, I know it seems sudden but sometimes the body does things that we don’t understand and when it’s your time then there is nothing we can do to stop it. I am sorry for your loss, and we will do what we can to assist you in planning arrangements. The nurse tried to comfort her, but the young woman yanked away her hand.

I can escort you down to the morgue and help with paperwork. I really am very sorry. She nodded to the orderly to walk over to the elevators and as Oracle passed the body, she got a cold chill up her spine and the room stopped motion for a quick moment as she looked up and saw a figure in the hallway. It turned and she froze in absolute horror. Solomon Beauchamp. He grinned at her with his black, rotted teeth and empty eye sockets as she backed away and the room came back to life in a hurried frenzy. Drake and Ian took her by the arm and walked her down the hall to the exam room to wait.

Hey, you zoned out for a second. You alright? Drake asked and Oracle nodded.

Yeah, just tired is all. Where the hell is the fucking doctor?

No sooner had she spoken, than the doctor walked in with her chart. Ian got a call and stepped out in the hallway, leaving Oracle and Drake with the doctor.

Well, you are looking much better today Miss Winchester. Let’s check those bandages. He went through all of the routine checks and changed the bandages on her throat and arms. After fifteen minutes, he excused himself to get her paperwork and sign off on it. Oracle pulled on her clothes and walked back out in the hallway. The woman from before had come back up and had an armful of items with her. Her eyes were tinged red and a bit puffy. Oracle felt her pain over the loss of her mother and watched as she walked back to the elevators.

Looking at Oracle, Drake squeezed her shoulder as she watched the doors close to the elevators and