22. Supplies and a case

Ellen drove James and Ash to a quiet area outside of town, the atmosphere tense. The car ride was mostly quiet, with only Ash occasionally talking about how important it was to be well-prepared.

To be honest James was really tired of Ellen and Ash constantly lecturing him. He knew that they were doing this for his own good, but he was not a kid.

"You'll meet Caleb Harris," Ellen said as they neared a large salvage yard filled with old cars and tools. "He's an old friend and has what you'll need—guns, knives, salt, iron—everything. He also knows a lot about supernatural creatures and can help you figure out what you're up against."

James nodded, taking in her words. He had heard about Caleb from Ash earlier.

Ellen parked near a small house in the middle of the yard. As they got out of the car, a man in his late 50s came out from the porch. He looked tough, wearing a trucker hat and a worn flannel shirt. He gave them a cautious look, then smiled when he saw Ellen.

"Well, I'll be damned," Caleb said, walking toward them. "Ellen Harvelle. What brings you all the way out here?"

"Got a greenhorn here who could use your help," Ellen replied, pointing at James. "This is James. He's new to hunting but wants to learn. Thought you could hook him up with the basics."

Caleb looked James up and down. "You don't look like much, kid. You sure you're ready for this?"

James looked Caleb in the eye, his irritation clear. "As ready I can be."

Caleb laughed shortly, sensing his irritation. "Fair enough. Come on inside."

The group followed Caleb into the house, which was just as messy as the yard. Shelves filled with books and jars lined the walls, and a big table in the center had weapons, maps, and notes scattered on it.

"So, what exactly do you need?" Caleb asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

"Salt rounds, iron knives, maybe some holy water if you have it," James replied, listing what he remembered from his brief knowledge of hunting from Ash and Ellen. "And Ellen said you might have books on supernatural creatures."

Caleb nodded, clearly impressed with James' directness. "I've got most of that here. But books? That's going to take more time than you think. You can't just flip through a couple of pages and know how to deal with a spirits. It takes years of experience."

Ellen crossed her arms and spoke up. "He knows, Caleb. But he's determined, and that's more than most rookies can say. Plus, Ash and I will be helping him."

Caleb sighed, then stood up and moved to a nearby cabinet. He pulled out six shotguns, four boxes of salt shells, three iron daggers, ten flasks of holy water, four machetes, and three fully loaded handguns. "This should be more than enough to get you started. But don't think all this firepower will keep you safe if you don't know what you're doing."

He placed the items on the table, then grabbed three thick books from a shelf. The first one was Hunter's Field Guide: Basic Supernatural Entities and How to Handle Them, the second was Demonic Possessions and Exorcisms: A Practical Guide, and the third was Salt and Iron: The Hunter's Manual.

"These books are a good starting point," Caleb said, putting them next to the weapons. "The first one will help you understand common creatures and how to deal with them. The second is all about demons and exorcisms. And the third? It's all about basic tactics and tools every hunter should know."

James picked up the first book and flipped through the pages. It was full of information, with pictures of creatures, descriptions of their weaknesses, and notes about their behavior. He felt grateful for having access to such resources.

"How much do I owe you for all this?" James asked, looking up at Caleb.

Caleb scratched his beard. "I don't usually sell to rookies, but since Ellen vouched for you, I'll give you a deal. Let's say… $5000 for everything. Well the total was $5210...but I will give a beginner's discount."

James nodded and pulled out his wallet, counting out the cash. "There's a beginner's discount?."

Caleb took the money, slipping it into his pocket. "Yeah, I just invented it. Kid, you look quite loaded....no screaming matches between us to lower prices. I like that... I like you kid."

He then took out a card from his pocket. "Call me anytime you need the stuff. I also do home deliveries..... provided you cover the cost."

James took the card and pocketed it. He then shook hand with Caleb.

"Thanks," James spoke with a small smile on his face.

"Happy doing business with you," was Caleb's reply.

Ellen put her hand on James' shoulder and stepped forward. "And don't forget, Caleb's a good man to have on your side. If you're ever in a tough spot, he's one of the best people you can call."

Caleb grunted. "Just don't make a habit of it. I've got enough on my plate without babysitting."

Ellen smirked. "I think the kid's got it. He's got the drive."

Caleb shot her a look but didn't argue.

Before they left, Caleb added, "Oh, and one more thing. You'll need fake IDs. You can't just go around as James Doe and expect people to take you seriously, especially law enforcement. I'll have a set ready for you in two weeks. Just make sure you know how to use them without getting caught."

James nodded, grateful for the offer. "Thanks, Caleb."

As they left the house, Ellen handed James a set of smaller books from her own collection. Titles like The Supernatural Survival Handbook and Symbols and Wards: Protecting Yourself from the Unseen caught his eye.

"These are for you," Ellen said. "Read them all. Knowledge is your best weapon in this world."

James nodded, holding the books close. "Thank you, Ellen. I won't waste this opportunity."

As they loaded the gear into the car and drove back to the Roadhouse, James felt more like he was back in school, reading and memorising stuff.

The ride was mostly silent, with the sound of the tires humming against the road filling the space. James was busy reading the books whereas Ash was playing with his laptop.

In no time they reached the bar. Ellen hopped out of the car along with James and Ash.

Ash glanced over at James. "Alright," Ash he, his voice low. "We've got ourselves a case. Found it while I was looking into a few things. You ready?"

James was still deep in thought but nodded. "What's the case?"

Ash grinned, but there was something in his smile that felt a little off, like he was about to tell a story he didn't want to. "Well, you're gonna like this one."

They stepped out of the car and made their way into the Roadhouse. Inside, Jo was wiping down the counter, and Ellen had gone to the back. Ash leaned against the bar, giving James a quick look before speaking again.

"So, the place we're heading to," Ash started, lowering his voice so no one else would hear. "It's a small town not far from California—St. Helena. Ever heard of it?"

James shook his head. "Nope."

Ash leaned in closer, lowering his voice even more. "Now, St. Helena—nothing special about it. Small town, quiet, usual stuff. But there's this one place. A manor. Used to belong to some rich family, but the house sat empty for years. It's got this dark reputation; people whisper it's cursed, or haunted, or whatever."

James raised an eyebrow, listening closely.

"About a decade ago, a father and daughter were found dead in that manor. People said it was some sort of freak accident, but the rumors started. The town started calling it cursed, a place that brings death. But well not all people listen to rumors...you know."

Ash paused, pulling out his laptop and flipping it open. He clicked a few times, then showed James a picture of the manor, an imposing structure with overgrown vines creeping up its walls. "This new family, the Walkers, they bought the place in an auction a couple of months back. The husband, Derek Walker, he's a tough guy—didn't believe any of those ghost stories. He just wanted a fixer-upper, something to call home. He was confident, and his wife, Michelle, well, she wasn't exactly thrilled, but went along with it.

Ash stopped to drink water and continued," So they moved in, and everything seemed fine for a bit. But then, a few months later, Derek was found dead in the same house. His body was…" Ash's expression turned grim as he scrolled to the next image, showing a brutal scene of Derek Walker's lifeless form, battered and bloodied, his face almost unrecognizable. "Pretty bashed up, right? Doesn't look like any freak accident to me. More like someone—or something—wanted him gone.... And his wife also suffered the same fate."

James felt like hitting Ash on the head as he saw that brutal image. He felt like throwing up evrything he had eaten since the morning. That's how bad it was.

"I felt the same way," Ash smiled at James's reaction.

"What happened to the daughter?" he asked, trying to shake off the discomfort.

Ash clicked to another image. "Her name was Lily, 16 years old. She was found hanging in her room just a minute after her dad died."

James felt the chill creep down his spine. "You think the family which died a decade ago in that manor is responsible for this?"

Ash frowned, tapping the laptop screen. "I don't know. This was all I was able to gather....but I think there are still few pieces missing."

Ash closed his laptop with a snap amd massaged his head for a bit.

"It's final then," James said, his voice steady. "We'll go to St. Helena and figure out what's going on there."

Ash gave him a sideways glance, a mix of respect and amusement in his eyes. "That's the spirit. l thought you would refuse after seeing those images."

James raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What, you thought I'd back out just because of some blood? Please, Ash. If I wanted out, I would've left before even getting involved."

Ash laughed, clearly impressed with James' attitude. "I like the way you think," he said, patting him on the back. "Most newbies would be scared after seeing stuff like that."

He turned to Jo, who was cleaning the counter. "Hey, Jo, can I get a cold beer?" he asked with a grin. Jo nodded and poured him a drink, sliding it over.

Ash took a sip before turning back to James. "Alright, tomorrow we head out. We'll figure out what's going on in St. Helena."

"Let's do it." James spoke and asked for beer from Jo.

Soon the day passed and the night stretched on, and James held tight to the survival books Caleb had given him, in his room. The real test was just beginning.

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