Later that day, the Impala rumbled it's way through the small town of Waubay, South Dakota. Like so many American factory towns, the place seemed mostly deserted. Keep your eyes open, we may be walking into Hell's favorite fishing ground, Deanna said as they parked. She tucked the shotgun underneath her worn leather jacket. The sisters walked side by side down the empty streets. The small facades of the small mom- and - pop stores were mostly run- down.
Paint peeled off the clapboard, giving everything a rag- tag look. An obnoxiously loud rumble broke the silence, causing Deanna and Samantha to swivel on their heels, only to see a jack- up pick- up truck swing around a corner and disappear. No one else was around. Then someone screamed. The sisters looked at each other. Where did that come from? Deanna exclaimed, sweeping the streets, wide- eyed. They seemed to be alone. They heard another scream. Samantha cocked her weapon, aiming at a nearby intersection. This way, she said. The girls took off, their heavy boots pounding the pavement as they turned the corner and heard it again.
Sweat ran down their faces as they skidded to a halt in front of - The Waubay Community Swimming Pool. The pool was empty and several old women were wondering around in bathing caps and large tent- like bathing suits. Deanna looked at Samantha, who just shrugged. What just happened here? Deanna called out, shielding her eyes from the bone- chilling display of geriatric flesh. Despite her best efforts, Samantha was also having trouble with the half- naked women. She spied a young- looking guy in sweat pants, holding a whistle, and moved toward her.
Can you tell me what's going on? he asked. The guy who she assumed, most be a swimming instructor, squinted at Samantha in confusion. I have no idea, she said helplessly. I was giving our regular aquatics class, and the pool just started bubbling. Bubbling... like boling? Samantha asked. Joining them, Deanna smirked. You sure one of these lithe young ladies didn't lay one? she said. The instructor tilted his head sideways at Deanna, a look of surprised irritation Samantha had seen directed at her sister with some frequency. Without another word, Deanna walked away, wisely leaving the interrogation to Samantha. Was anyone hurt? Samantha asked, trying to brush past the instructor's annoyance. No, the man replied. No one gets hurt on my watch. It's just like I said: the pool started bubbling, scared the scream out of everyone here. Who are you guys? Samantha smiled. Inspectors, Antilles and Solo, we're with the NPSS, National Pool Safety System's. Have you had your filters updated to the latest safety standards? Of course I have, the instructor answered, scowling.
What kind of community pool do you think I'm running? Samantha took a step back. Fantastic, we're always happy to see a dedicated guy like yourself take responsibility. Pool safety is... Samantha trailed off... important. I guess. Thanks for your time. Samantha joined her sister, who was interviewing a large woman with a bellowing voice. Deanna nodded at Samantha's approach. Myra pulled her robe tighter around her. We was just doing our morning routine when the water started getting bubbly, she boomed.
Slowly at first and then more and more, then it got hot. Real hot, but not enough to boil you. The weird thing was, Eunice and me were just saying that the pool was too cold to be in it. Samantha cocked her head. Wait, you just said that you were cold, then the water got warmer itself? Uh huh, Myra said, nodding her bathing cap- clad head. Thanking Myra, Samantha and Deanna walked away and headed back through the town to the Impala. Thrre were lots of references to water transformation in the lore, Samantha said. Turning to blood, floods... and boiling. So it's the frickin Apocalypse, the town is lit up with apocalyptic signs, but they're jokes?
You think it's the Trickster? Samantha gulped. Gabriel that is, not a chance, Deanna said. Not his M. O. He's not one to leave survivors, you know? So what is it? I don't know. My Little Pony one of the Four Horsemen? Deanna parked in front of a battered motel. The neon sign read Two Pines Motel, and sported two fluorescent pine trees blinking alternately, so it looked like they were swinging in a stiff wind. Oh good, there's a fish cleaning station on the premises. Deanna said sarcastically.