Part 2. Before the adventure.
Flying over the city was usually one of his favorite things, but now he rarely did. Leaning back on his seat and watching the bird's-eye view from below, Mac felt distant, untouchable. He remembered the first time he brought his adopted son, then thirteen, to the airport by helicopter. Jim Murphy demanded his immediate presence on the farm. McLand was awe-inspiring in front of the Guardian, still unsure of his place in the Brotherhood and even more uncertain of his new position as a scientist. He would never have thought of the consequences of that flight to Louisville. Caleb, who had never flown before, was hypnotized by all this adventure.
McLand smiled at himself, remembering the boy's quiet whistling and the shine of his golden eyes when he spoke: "This is what it means to be rich. McLand was looking forward to seeing how the child will show all the best in life. Only later, Ames realized that it was Caleb who introduced him to the world of the best things, and only after meeting with John Winchester, McLand began to understand what it really means to be rich.
New Haven, Kentucky State
May 1985.
- Jim, I'm not sure I'm a good fit for this job.
- You're a scientist, McLand.
Ames drove under the gaze of Jim Murphy's blue eyes. He had only recently accepted this role and, despite all his careful research and hasty training by the now-retired scientist, felt a little stunned by the unexpected responsibilities that continued to emerge.
- But was recruiting no longer your role or was it possible that the Knight...
The pastor has refused this offer.
- Recently, it took Daniel some time to review his actions. I don't think he's in a position to meet prospective members of the Brotherhood. And you, Dr. Ames?
McLand hasn't been in psychiatry that long, but it was easy for Daniel Elkins to diagnose an unstable psyche. After Elkins failed to kill Caleb, the hunter went down the spiral. He wasn't exactly the man McLand would have chosen to do any duty, especially in his present condition.
- Couldn't Missouri have brought this guy here? She was the first one to talk to him. She made her first contact with me.
Jim bent over to the stove and opened the oven door. The room was filled with the smell of warm cinnamon.
- Missouri offered you this job. She thought it was a great opportunity for you to earn your living.
- The last time I checked, the Brotherhood didn't pay any bank deposits into my account. - McLand ran his finger over my eyebrow. Sometimes he wondered how his life had deviated so far from his course. - And Missouri Mosley hates me.
Jim put the apple pie on the table, removing the yellow daisy chain mittens.
- You weren't the most exemplary student.
Missouri Mosley was a psychic and taught McLand more than any team of highly paid and well-qualified neurosurgeons or his own tireless research efforts. She supported his own knowledge and helped him gain more control, pushing the boundaries further than he had ever imagined. But this woman was unbearable.
- Is this some form of punishment?
Jim went back to the counter, took two mugs and a coffee pot.
- No. It's a great opportunity for career development.
- Is there such an opportunity? Then why not give it to Robert. I think he could improve his skills, especially in the social sphere.
- Bobby? - Jim smiled.
- Yes, the junkie. - From what McLand knew about Bobby Singer, he thought he was much more suitable to talk to a Kansas mechanic. - Perhaps he had more in common with this Winchester guy.
- Bobby lacks the grace that I think is required in this situation. - Jim walked up to the fridge, pulled out a bag of milk and put it on the spot opposite McLand. - John Winchester has two sons.
Ames snorted in response to that hint.
- Caleb only lived with me for a few months. - He knew that Jim believed there was a chance for much more. - We weren't even sure it was forever. I sincerely doubt that I can count myself on my parents' team. - Caleb's presence awakened a feeling in McLand that he could only describe as a father's instinct. He wanted to believe that he could be a good father, a worthy man to fill the void in the child's life, but he was not yet sure of his abilities.