THE PHANTOM OF THE ARENA
Vince McMahon fidgeted in his wheelchair as he watched the night's action unfold on RAW. John Cena, damn him, was still the Champion. Worse yet, he and Steve Austin were still asking questions. He felt kind of sorry for Coach-the guy was doing a great job of running interference for him without even knowing it.
The FBI had come by to ask Stephanie some more questions, too. Did they suspect the truth-that he had pulled the ultimate scam? Would Steph talk if pressed?
Vince turned on the intercom, using the line that came only to this room and that only he, Stephanie and Linda knew about. "Linda, could you come in here, please?"
Linda McMahon entered the room. "Is everything all right, Vince?"
"No, everything's not all right. This is the second week in a row I've had to watch John Cena defend and keep his title. But that's not why I called you. Have you…spoken to Shane yet about any of what's happened?"
Linda shook her head. "That's been the hardest part of this. It's been tough on Stephanie, too. But Shane seems to be holding up well, considering."
"Good. All right, Linda. Thank you." Vince sighed as she left. Shane was a good son, the kind of young man that a father-especially a rich one who wanted someone to carry on his legacy-could be proud of. And yet…
Vince picked up his cell phone. "Hello, Stephanie? No, everything's fine. I'm just sitting here watching the show. Tell me, how are Shane and Coach getting along?"
"Pretty well, actually," Stephanie's voice replied. "I have to say, Shane did inherit your business skills. He's got some great ideas for upcoming shows. Coachman knows who's in charge."
"Some great ideas, huh? Well, he is a chip off the ol' block, after all, isn't he? All right, Steph, I'll see you when you get home."
"Just get some rest, Daddy. I can't wait to see the look on peoples' faces when you make your return from the dead!'
Vince chuckled. "Especially ol' Jim Ross. It'll probably give him a heart attack."
Vince put the phone down. Something still felt wrong. He knew that Shane meant well, and he hated like hell to have to keep lying to him. Maybe after all this was over he'd find some way to make it up to him…
SHANE MCMAHON'S OFFICE, MONDAY NIGHT RAW
Shane was fuming. Austin was grinning at his discomfort. "Calm down, Shane. I told ya I was gonna be back to ask a few more questions, didn't I?"
"Look, Austin, I already told the FBI and the police what I know. My father's dead, the real killer is still out there somewhere-and you're in here wasting my time. Dad left me in charge, so I'm telling you the same way he would-get the hell out of here, and don't come to me again unless you're ready to get back in the ring."
Austin glowered at him. "All right, Shane. Have it your way. Just be advised…I'm gonna stick around for the rest of the show."
Shane breathed a sigh of relief as Austin left. A few minutes later, Stephanie entered the room. "I just saw Stone Cold. What did he want?"
"What do you think he wants?" Shane sat down in his chair. He glanced up at the painting of his father and shook his head. "He doesn't suspect anything, does he?"
Stephanie shook her head. "About what we tried to do to Dad?" She patted him on the shoulder. "No, and if we stick together, it's going to stay that way. By the time he finds out, it'll be too late-and he'll be the one taking the fall for it, just like we planned."
Shane grinned. "That explosion was almost worth it. I just wish I could be there to see the look on dear old dad's face when he realizes who was really out to get him."
"He'll never see it coming," Stephanie agreed. They both looked at their father's portrait, and laughed.