Chapter 3
Kane
Where the hell is that doctor? I want out of here. Funny it was easier to wait when I didn't know when I'd be getting out of here. Kane thought, resisting the urge to punch the wall.
"Kane."
He spun around expectantly.
"The final test results are good. There has been no permanent damage to your eyes. You'll still need to be careful because of your ribs and concussions but we're ready to let you leave." He paused. "You certainly can't wrestle for a while but you can resume most of your daily activities. I say most because you many not train. No weights and no running for at least a month. After that let the pains guide you. When it hurts you need to STOP!"
Yeah right. Kane thought. The sooner I get back in shape the sooner DX pays for what they've done.
Walking out of the hospital, Kane stopped outside the doors. Throwing back his head he took a deep breath.
Finally I can breathe real air again. Kane thought, finally feeling free.
Kane left, going directly to the airport. The ticket was to Connecticut as he'd expected. He arranged for the first flight out, but that would still give him a two-hour wait. He decided to get some food. Then he bought a newspaper and found a quiet corner.
Hiding behind the newspaper he removed his mask so he could eat.
I wish I had my every day mask instead of the ring mask. At least I can eat with that one on. He thought, mildly aggravated.
While waiting to board, he was approached by some young men for autographs.
Why would they want my autograph, he thought, It's not like I'm popular with the fans. He thought, as he signed for them.
The plane got into Connecticut late, so he got a room for some much-needed rest. Reaching his room he removed his jacket. A rattling sound reminded him of the pain pills in his jacket pocket.
He took the bottle out and looked at it. I don't need these he thought, and then shoved it back into the jacket pocket.
The time for weakness is long past. He told himself, although his head and ribs throbbed horribly.
Arriving at Titan Towers before nine, he headed directly to Vince's office. Kane stood before the receptionist without saying a word.
"Is Mr. McMahon expecting you?" She asked when she looked up.
Kane only nodded.
The receptionist let Vince know he was there.
"Kane, you can have a seat. He'll be with you shortly."
Kane was forced to sit and wait for nearly two hours, before finally being admitted.
He's just playing games. Kane decided, showing me that he holds all the power. Kane thought, trying not to show his impatience.
Entering the office he stood in front of Vince's desk.
"Kane, it's good to see you are doing better." Vince said, in a voice that didn't sound sincere. "Please have a seat. I'm sure you are still pretty sore."
Yeah, if you gave a damn about my health you'd have called me at the hospital. Kane thought.
Kane made no move to sit.
"Fine have it your way." Vince sighed. "The doctor faxed me your release and his instructions. I know you can't wrestle or train for at least a month. After that we'll have you checked out." He paused for a few moments. "Meanwhile I have setup several appearances and autograph sessions for you. Can't have you just sitting around can we?"
Vince waited for some reaction but didn't get one. "DX has been warned about their behavior." Again Vince got no reaction from Kane. "I know you want a piece of DX for what they did. You'll get it, but it will happen IN the ring." Vince said handing Kane a sheaf of papers. "This is your itinerary, I expect you to keep to it, without problems."
When Vince didn't say anything else Kane left, never having said a word.
"There is something seriously wrong with that guy." Vince said to himself, after Kane closed the door.
J.J.
It had been blessedly quiet for the last few days. She hadn't heard from Vince or gotten a call from the station. She'd been more than happy to spend the time catching up in her darkroom and playing with her new telephoto lens. She also had dinner with Chris and Ron again. Among other things non-wrestling they also discussed the attack on Kane. Ron was outraged by it.
J.J. was nearly done shopping, when the cell phone rang.
"Hello," She said.
Damn I hope it's not Vince.
"Wow," Mike said, "I think that is the first time I've heard you use that word."
"Very funny." She replied. "What have you got?"
Mike gave her the location still laughing.
Leaving her shopping cart right where it was she walked out of the store.
Mike met her at the tape. "We have two vics," he advised her. "It's a woman and a child. The kid looks to be about three months." He stopped and put a hand on her arm. "J.J. it looks like they bashed in the female's face to make the ID tougher."
"Great Mike." J.J. mumbled, as she headed toward the bodies.
She setup and began shooting. Something kept nagging at her mind. Something didn't seem right, like she should know something but she had no idea what.
While waiting for the second roll to rewind it hit her. Turning she walked over to Mike. Without a word she grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the man he was interviewing.
"What's up? I was in the middle of an interview, besides you can't be done yet." Mike said sounding a little irritated.
"I can ID the Vics Mike." J.J. said.
"What? How?" He asked.
"I know them, so do you." J.J. replied.
"Who?" He said, not sure he wanted the answer.
"It's Chris Santos and her baby Maggie." J.J. said in a monotone.
"WHAT?" he shouted. "ARE YOU SURE?"
"I took some baby shots just last week. I'm sure. If you need more proof check the back of her watch. If it says 'Click' then it is the one I gave her for her birthday." J.J. said with a shrug.
J.J. then turned calmly going back to work.
Mike watched her go, taking pictures of her best friend's body and child as if she were a robot.
Click, change position.
Click, change position.
She went on and on, showing absolutely no emotion. Then he called in the possible ID on his cell; he didn't want to put it out over the air.
Finishing and sealing the film bag she handed it to Mike, like she'd done a thousand times before.
"J.J.," he grabbed her arm as she turned away. "Are you ok? I know you two were close."
"Yeah," she replied, "I'm fine, how are you?" J.J. said her voice distant.
Mike just stood staring at her. When he didn't say anything else she walked away.
Getting in her car and starting it, she realized what she'd just done.
What the hell is wrong with me? I just took crime scene photos of my best friend and her three-month-old daughter, and I don't feel anything. NOTHING! No anger, that someone could do this, no thirst for vengeance or justice. NOTHING!" She sat a moment longer then pulled out.
"I know," she muttered to herself, "It's just shock, it will hit me in a few minutes."
She drove around for hours waiting for something to happen, nothing did. Finally she went home. Taking out a box of pictures from the last few years she sat down. She realized that most of them were old that's odd for a photographer. She looked at pictures of Chris from a hundred different places. There were even some shots from Chris' wedding.
Ron, oh my God how's he going to manage without her? J.J. asked herself.
She remembered the fun they'd had together but still felt nothing. She began to gather together all the pictures she thought Ron would want to have. Then finished developing the pictures she'd taken last week. Putting only a couple shots of the four of them together aside for herself she boxed the rest up for Ron.
J.J. didn't remember falling asleep but woke in the chair rather late. After showering and dressing she picked up the box of pictures.
Driving to Ron's, she didn't know what to expect.
Will he be angry with me; will he even want to see me? She wondered.
She knocked on the door several times before he answered. He'd obviously been crying. Before she could say anything, he rushed forward and pushed the box out of her hands. Then he started screaming. "How could YOU? They told me you took the pictures! She was your best friend. How could you DO that?" He cried as he opened the door.
"I… I don't know. I just did." She stammered a response.
"They said you did the ID. That I didn't need to. I couldn't even do that for her." He said loudly.
He stood screaming at her for a few minutes. Then just as suddenly as it had started he stopped and pulled her into a fierce hug, sobbing as he held her. "Oh God J.J., what am I going to do without them? I can't live without her."
When he finally released her she bent picking up the box.
"Ron, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say. I really am going to miss her." Handing him the box she added, "I thought you would want to have these." She said, backing away slowly.
J.J. headed for the station. On the way there it occurred to her that she hadn't really 'felt' anything in a while. She'd known something was wrong, that she wasn't feeling like herself. She just hadn't realized what it was. It was simple her emotions were off. They no longer existed. She wasn't angry, happy, sad, aggravated, nothing she just was.
How could I have let this happen? How could I let a job turn me into an unfeeling monster? She wondered, disgusted with her behavior.
When she got to the station, she walked right into Rice's office. She handed him her ID and the cell phone.
"It's enough, I can't do this anymore." She said with determination.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I know you had a rough night. Why not take some time, see the psychiatrist and then see how you feel." He said with concern.
"No, I know what I'm doing. I need to quit." She replied.
"We really hate to lose you. You are our best." He said, trying to convince her.
"Sir, my mind is made up. It's long past time I did this." She said seriously.
"Ok, if you are determined to do this, I guess I have no choice but to accept it. If you change your mind down the road we'll be happy to have you back." He said somewhat sadly.
"Thank you." She said, leaving his office.
Then when she got home, she was disappointed in herself.
How could I not have seen this happening? How could I be so stupid? I've become so callus that nothing affects me anymore. J.J. thought.
She stopped tossing her jacket across a chair. She saw something fluttering to the floor. Walking over she picked it up. It was Vince's card.
Kane
Leaving Vince's office Kane saw his bags waiting by the door. He bent wincing behind his mask as he lifted them his ribs still sore as hell. While waiting for the elevator he looked over his itinerary.
Kane was constantly on the move. It seemed like every day a different city. No one said more than two words to him and those were usually hello and goodbye, if that.
The fans were great no matter where he was. They waited patiently to see whichever wrestlers were in attendance.
I know they are really here to see the others, but they are always cool, especially the kids. He thought, trying not to let it get the better of him.
He went from place to place, always feeling like an outsider.
I can't let this frustrate me. It's really no different than when I first started. No one spoke to me then either except my father. It doesn't matter anyway; I don't need them or want them. He told himself.
Vince
"Linda," Vince said. "I didn't think your plan would work. It's been five days. Tomorrow I am going to LA and I'm not leaving until she talks to me."
"Judith," Vince said into the intercom. "Have the plane readied to go to LA. I want to leave as soon as possible."
"Yes sir," she paused. "Also I have someone named J.J. on line one."
"Put her through." Vince said. He turned to Linda and mouthed, "You win this time."
Linda just smiled.
"Vince, its J.J." She said.
"I'm glad to finally hear from you. I hope you are calling to accept the position." Vince replied.
"That depends on you." She said. "I've read the contract, and all that is fine. But there are some working conditions I need met." She said.
"What kind of conditions?" He asked warily.
"Nothing outrageous," she laughed. "The shots you want are mostly candid, so it will be easier to get them if I can just slip into the background of everything. That means no first day of school bullshit. No introductions, no showing me around. I want absolutely no having someone helping me with things. Just act like I've always been there."
She paused, while waiting for that to sink in before continuing. "I don't know how much of what I've seen is you're doing or actual problems between your employees, but I won't get involved in it either way. I won't dress or be treated like your divas. I insist on being treated as one of the guys." She paused again.
"Lastly, I understand what you want and you'll get it, but I do it MY way. Do we have an understanding? Do you have any problems with my conditions?" She said sternly.
At first Vince didn't answer. Then he said, "No I don't have a problem with any of that. However I get final say in which shots get used."
"Agreed." She said without hesitation, she'd been expecting that. "When do I start?"
"How long will it take you to be ready to travel?" He said, wondering what had changed her mind.
"A week." She replied after a moment.
I have to get away from here. The sooner I go the better. I need to be where people don't know me or what I have become. As soon as she hung up, she started making the arrangements.
"Mike, its J.J." She said.
"Wow, it's great to hear your voice. What's going on?" He asked.
"I'm leaving Mike. I need your help." She said.
"Leaving, what are you talking about I know you quit the PD but where are you going." He asked, sounding worried.
"I need to get away for a while." She replied.
"What do you need?" He said.
"Do you know anyone looking for a place?" She asked him.
"Yeah, a rookie named Simpson." He said, still sounding unsure.
"Good, tell him I'll sublet furnished. That should make it an easy sell." J.J. said her mind already on the next step of the preparations.
"Are you taking the dodge or do you want me to store it?" He asked.
"It would be great if you could keep it for me." She said, glad he'd offered.
"No problem. Where are you going?" He asked, hoping for more than away.
"I'm just going to travel for a while." She answered.
"Oh, you're not planning anything stupid are you?" he said. "We're going out before you leave right?"
"No, nothing like that." She laughed but it sounded hollow. "Mike what would your wife say?"
Damn I don't want a goodbye scene. How can I get out of this? She thought.
"Very funny, we've been friends for years. You can't mean to say you'd leave without letting me take you out to dinner." He said laughing.
"If you insist Mike," she groaned.
"I insist." He said still laughing.
Hanging up she looked around. There wasn't much she'd need on the road, but there were definitely some things she wouldn't want to leave in the hands of someone she didn't know.
Taking a quick trip to get boxes and rent a storage area she got started.
It didn't take long to pack, only a day. Going with her was her cameras and darkroom equipment of course, two bags of clothes and her laptop. Going into storage were assorted knick knacks, mostly given to her by Chris and Ron, her framed photos and the rest of her clothes.
You'd think there'd be more to do. She thought, as she sealed the last box.
The next day a package arrived from Vince. It was a plane ticket and a new contract. She read it carefully and then signed it and sent it off.
The ticket was to Chicago, so she guessed she'd be joining them on the road. She spent the next few days renting and watching old wrestling videos and doing research.
Final it came time to go out with Mike the night before her departure. It was and uncomfortable night. He kept asking for an explanation of where she was going and why she felt she had to quit her job and run off. She couldn't explain it to him anymore than she'd been able to explain it to herself. It was just something she had to do.
Though they had never been anything more than friends, he'd always tried to be her keeper. Especially with what happened with Rick. This didn't sit well with J.J. at all.
Finally the day of departure arrived. She slept during most of the flight to Chicago. After arriving and renting a car she headed to the hotel Vince had told her to book with.
Funny, she thought we're supposed to make our own travel and room arrangements but he tells us which hotel he wants us at. Guess that's to make sure so some of the guys don't go overboard and book at five star hotels. He certainly wouldn't want to foot the bill for that.
Checking in she found she was on the same floor with most of the wrestlers. After dropping off her bags she went to see Vince.
"Welcome aboard J.J." He said, shaking her hand. "I'm glad you changed your mind and decided to join us." Handing her the itinerary, he continued. "From here on you'll be responsible for all your own travel and hotel arrangements. Per your contract you will be reimbursed monthly for your expenses. Of course you'll be responsible for your own meals and other incidentals."
"Vince, I read the contract. I know what I'm responsible for." She said, cutting him off.
"Ok," Vince said, "Then just see wardrobe when you get to the arena, for your ringside uniforms."
"What uniforms?" J.J. asked sounding shocked.
"Relax it's just the black WWF Staff shirts. Everyone who works ringside is required to wear black." He replied smiling.
"Oh is that all." She said looking happier.
Then they began talking again about the shots he wanted. It was stuff she already knew.
Finishing with Vince, she decided to head down to the lobby. Knowing she was early she wanted to watch the wrestlers arrive.
Though she'd spent a good deal of time doing research it was all stuff the public saw. She wanted to see them in a more normal environment, outside the arena.
Looking around and noticing a group of fans in the lobby behind a rope and some security were restraining them.
I guess they are the ones with rooms here. Otherwise they would be outside with the others. She thought watching them.
Going into the gift shop bought a crossword book, pen and a small notebook.
This will work fine. I know I won't remember all the stuff I want to but I can't exactly sit out there and take notes that would be way too obvious. No one will notice someone sitting and doing a crossword. She thought hopefully.
Taking a seat, she waited for the show to begin. They weren't hard to spot. She knew most of the faces now from watching the tapes.
The first ones to arrive were Mankind and Bossman. They didn't enter together but one soon after the other. She was surprised to see Mankind limping slightly, but smiling behind his mask. Bossman had his usual scowl. Getting their room keys but not going upstairs. Instead they hung around signing autographs.
She watched assorted wrestlers entered, people like Brooklyn Brawler, and Repo Man. She knew their faces but not all their names. They were the lesser known players in this drama.
She watched as Jake the Snake walked in.
Slithered in would be better way to describe it. She thought to herself. He is spending way too much time with his pets. .
Getting his key, he then joined the others in signing autographs.
Next to enter was The Brood. The trio of blondes was wearing their usual loose poet shirts and tight breeches. Gangrel was entering first, almost leading in the younger two. Edge and Christian stood surveying the room. There was something about the way these three moved, even how they stood. Their presence was strong, almost magnetic, but at the same time repulsive. Even their body language seemed to be off a bit.
I can't read them at all. That is really weird. She thought intrigued.
Watching the Acolytes enter. She'd seen them before of course, but was still amazing to her at how they moved as one. Their stance was one of restrained power; their presence proclaimed them dangerous.
Behind them entered two huge black men. She recognized them immediately as Viscera and Mideon. They were massive, but moved with a surprisingly quiet presence. Their size alone should have drawn every eye to them, but it didn't.
Writing down her initial impressions, she almost missed his entrance. Her head was down writing, when she felt him enter and looked up.
His presence screamed for everyone's attention. He was huge and moved with the animal grace of a big cat. She knew him of course it was the Undertaker. His stance was one of pure control, as if he had the power to demand obedience from anyone he chose.
His Ministry immediately gathered around him, drawn like moths to a flame. They stood as if waiting for orders.
She began noticing that when someone new entered, all the others would look, as if to see if the new arrival were friend or foe. Sometimes they would nod, or sneer at the newcomer. At times they would even beckon to him. Always there was some sign of acknowledgment toward the newest arrival.
She continued to watch the arrivals for a while, waiting to see DX. In small groups the others departed to their rooms. When DX finally arrived they had the lobby to themselves, except for the fans.
When they entered, they came in as a group, taking the place over. Their collective presence was overwhelming in its intensity. Though Hunter was obviously in charge there was also a definite pecking order in this group. Everyone had his place and knew what it was. Joking and laughing, pushing and occasionally hitting one another they entered the lobby. It seemed all in fun. They went to the desk and gave the clerk a really hard time, getting her all flustered and confused. Then signing a few autographs before they headed upstairs.
J.J. had gotten most of the information she was looking for, at least enough for now. She'd keep watching. It seemed that most of the feuds going on were real, and that could cause problems for her logistically.
Once upstairs she tried to begin planning her strategy. She knew Vince had many photographers.
How can I be sure not to dupe their shots? Why does he even need me? She wondered.
She paced back in forth in her hotel room.
What I need to do, she thought is a little recon. I need to lay back and just watch for a while. Get the lay of the land as it were. I need to have some idea what the others are doing, and where I fit into this whole game. Then I will know what moves to make.
Finally, unable to come up with a plan she got frustrated.
Damn I need to move while I think, and this pacing ain't cutting it. She thought, getting more aggravated.
Quickly changing into sweats and heading for the gym. She did some stretching before going to the treadmill.
I always think best when I run. She thought.
Starting out slow, she then began increasing the pace to a good fast jog. Once she got into a rhythm her mind began to drift.
First, how do I explain to Vince why I'm not ringside and shooting? Then how do I learn what I need to know without exposing myself? I know the best way to get truly a candid shot is to be invisible. But how do I do that? She planned.
After running nearly five miles she had her plan.
Vince I tell the truth. I'm sure he'll understand what I'm doing. For the rest, I volunteer for gofer duty. Get people used to seeing me everywhere, once I accomplish that they will forget I exist? Then I can get my shots. She decided, happy with her decision.
She stopped smiling to herself as she finished her five miles.
Yeah, that will work just fine. She thought smiling.
While she walked through her cool down cycle she looked around. She noticed for the first time that some of the wrestlers were in the gym. She decided to forgo the rest of her workout rather than chance them remembering her later.
Kane
Kane was in yet another hotel room. The autograph session had not gone well and he expected Vince to be really pissed about it.
He'd been setup at the same table with Bossman. This was not a good idea on the part of Mr. Hansen the organizer.
Bossman had immediately started, even before sitting down beside Kane. He smiled and stroked his nightstick lovingly, as if remembering how he'd used it on Kane before.
"Boy," Bossman said quietly, "if you had any brains you'd take off. Quit before someone really gets their hands on you, someone like me."
Shut up! Kane thought. We're here for the fans.
"You don't need to worry about your brother or DX getting to you, because before they get a chance I'm going to take you apart." Bossman whispered.
What is wrong with this guy? We are here to sign autographs not wrestle. Kane thought, trying to ignore him.
Bossman kept it up. He was always speaking softly so the fans couldn't hear him. "Are you listening to me freak? You think I'm joking?"
Ignore him, if you get suspended now you will never get your hands on DX. Kane told himself, trying to keep calm.
"We've danced before, you and I, you think you're so tough, so hard. You don't know what hard is, but I'll show you." Bossman said, smiling at Kane. To the fans it probably looked like a friendly smile, but Kane knew better.
Kane tried to keep going, but he wanted so badly for Bossman to shut up.
"I'm going to hurt you so bad you'll scream. Mute or not freak you WILL scream." Bossman said in a soft whisper, but his intent was clear.
Kane couldn't take anymore. He slammed his hand on the table and stood facing Bossman.
The kids were screaming and backing away from the table.
Bossman stood quickly, snatching up his nightstick as he did.
The security officer stepped between them and Mr. Hansen was right there in seconds.
"What's going on?" Mr. Hansen demanded.
"I don't know." Bossman said innocently. "I was just sitting there signing autographs for all these great fans, when he went nuts. He punched the table and looked like he was going to attack me, or maybe one of these fans."
What, YOU BASTARD! Kane screamed mentally, glaring at Bossman unconsciously.
Kane knew it was too late; he'd been tricked into losing his temper. There was no way to get out of it now. The fans had never heard Bossman's comments so he came off looking like the troublemaker.
You blew it. You stupid, moronic bastard, you let someone play you; make you look like the maniac everyone thinks you are. You have really done it this time. Kane berated himself.
Kane allowed security to lead him out the back door, and went back to his hotel to await Vince's displeasure at his screw up.
J.J.
J.J. was up early. According to the itinerary, there was an all staff meeting at 2:30. She wanted to get familiar with the arena. I would be easier to blend if she weren't constantly lost. She also wanted to get her ringside uniforms and a couple of regular staff uniforms if there was such a thing.
Security let her right in even though it was before nine in the morning. It didn't take long to get a general layout of the place. She also got a map in case she was sent in to a less general area.
Picking up her uniforms from wardrobe, she found that everyone dressed pretty much the same except for the ID badge. The ID, which it seemed, was largely ignored.
When it came time for the meeting, she slipped in with a large group and took a seat in the middle of the room. She was surprised to see the wrestlers there. She'd thought staff meant setup and whatnot and wouldn't include the talent.
Slumping down in her seat she waited for the meeting to begin. Looking around from behind her sunglasses, she noticed that she wasn't the only one to keep them on. She also noticed the same knots of wrestlers she'd seen at the hotel. It seemed that there were definite cliques among them.
Promptly at 2:30 Vince stood in the front of the room. It took him a few minutes to get everyone's attention. When he had it he began.
"As you've probably seen we have a few new faces." He paused
J.J. looked around, as if looking for the new faces, just as most of the others were doing.
"We don't have time for introductions, so be sure to introduce yourself around later."
Yeah right, that will help me blend. J.J. thought
He continued talking about different setup, lighting, and pyro issues. He talked about the changes he wanted from the last show. Discussing set changes, new music, added pyro, and match order. It was mostly information about the way that he wanted things timed. Finally he called the meeting to a close, with a reminder to the talent that their meeting was at 4:30.
I wonder if I can sneak into that meeting. J.J. wondered
Spending the next several hours fetching, carrying and generally playing gofer, just as she'd planned. No one seemed to look twice at her. It was working perfectly, though she never did figure out a way to sneak into the talent meeting.
When it was time for the show she found a spot near the ramp to watch. It was still amazing to her how many things had changed from her high school days.
She saw moves she never thought she'd see. Things that would have disqualified someone in the old days were now done regularly. They were using the ropes, and turnbuckles as springboards, fighting outside the ring and even into the audience. It seemed like chaos but the audience seemed to love it. Even the signs were more plentiful than before. Some of them had obviously taken quite a bit of work.
The fans chanted in unison, and not just the athlete's names. When Vince came out the fans chanted Asshole. She couldn't believe it when he actually encouraged the chant.
J.J. enjoyed the matches. She sat watching with interest when the Brood was introduced. They were dressed in the same type of outfits as she'd seen at the hotel. Loose poet shirts and tight pants. Gangrel drank blood from a chalice before that match. Something she'd seen him do on tape. It looked even weirder in person. Only Edge and Christian were actually in the match. They were facing a team made up of much larger men, Demolition. Their high flying and energetic moves were impressive to watch. They even won the match, with a little help from Gangrel.
When the show was over she slipped backstage and went back to blending in.
After a while she headed back to the TV truck. Showing her ID she was admitted.
Looking around, she knew they would have what she needed. It didn't take long to get it. Mitch was very helpful, and she left with the tapes for a few of the older Pay-Per-View events. She walked out of the truck and put the tapes into her rental before heading back inside to finish up for the night.
Getting back to her room she ordered room service and started watching tapes.
Between bites she made careful notes on whom to avoid scheduling together, and whom she thought would look good together. She also jotted down thoughts for getting candid shots and good-looking ringside positions.
She listened to the commentators, often laughing at their comments.
I'll have to sit closer to them when I watch events. I could learn a lot from them. She thought.
She saw DX and the Ministry face off several times, neither gaining a clear victory.
Finally after watching two of the tapes she couldn't concentrate anymore.
I'll watch the other one with breakfast. She thought with a yawn.
Kane
Kane didn't have to wait long for Vince's reaction. A knock startled him from his thoughts.
That didn't take long, he thought looking at the clock, only about two hours.
Opening the door he was handed an envelope. Handing the messenger a tip he closed the door.
Tearing the envelope open reluctantly, he removed the slip of paper from inside.
Get your ass to the next show! Atlanta.
Vince
Well that's short and to the point. He thought, while making the arrangements.
J.J.
J.J. was up early and ate while watching the final tape.
She watched clips of the DX/Ministry feud. Then DX introduced the newest member of their group, Kane.
Looking at the clip she saw the Undertaker's face as his brother was introduced. It was a look of pure rage.
"The Undertaker's brother Kane has joined the opposition." She heard the commentators say. "Kane has Joined DX! Undertaker looks pissed! He doesn't like this at all, and you know they'll be hell to pay."
Finishing the tape she headed down to the gym. She didn't have to leave for Atlanta till later today.
Even then I should get there a day before the rest of the crew. They are staying here tonight. She thought, planning ahead.
When she got to the gym it was empty.
Good I can get a full workout. She thought, smiling to herself.
Hitting the machines hard, enjoying the strain after missing a few days. When she was finished she was tired but felt great.
Looking at the clock she thought, well just enough time for a shower before I head to the airport.
On the flight she reviewed her notes and before deciding she still needed to watch for a while. Then she would have everything that she needed.
Arriving at the hotel she found that as she suspected most of the others were not due until tomorrow.
Cool, the show from Chicago airs tonight, I'll just watch that. This time I can take some notes. She thought.
Kane
Kane rose early and left heading to the airport for his flight.
Damn, I can't sit still. What I need is a good workout. It's been three weeks since I've seen the inside of a gym. I don't think I'll make it another two. Maybe I can convince the trainer I'm ready now? He thought hopefully.
Finally he began staring out the window. His mind drifted back to his beginnings in the WWF.
It was so much easier back then. Father made all the decisions. I only wanted one thing, Mark's neck in my hands. I didn't care what anyone thought; so long as I reached my goal nothing else mattered. He thought, though the memory wasn't a happy one.
Then father made me work with him. Oh, how I hated it. Father said it was the only way I'd get what I wanted. It worked I finally faced him, but I couldn't do the job. He thought angrily.
Again father brought us together only to choose Mark over me! He reminded himself, feeling his rage begin to boil.
He clenched his fist and drove it into his leg, startling the man in the next seat.
I can't think about those things. I need to focus on the future. If I even have one. What am I going to say to Vince? Who am I kidding, even if I could talk right he'd never believe the truth? Better to keep silent and let him think what he wants; He will anyway. He thought with frustration.
Kane sat back and tried to relax, it was going to be a long day.
J.J.
J.J. had a quiet night in front of the TV, and turned in early.
The next morning she sitting was in the lobby by ten, armed with her 'Crossword book' just as she'd done before.
The setup was amazingly similar to the last hotel, including some fans behind a rope.
She sat watching as the wrestlers came into the lobby singly and in-groups. She saw mostly the same faces as the previous hotel, though she did see a few new ones.
A young man entered with a very cocky walk. Seemingly so self-assured, as if he thought the world revolved around him. His presence was strong and his stance showed great confidence. She knew he was still kinda new, but she already knew his name, it was Jerico.
The lobby was filling with wrestlers; almost the entire roster for the event was there.
Then he entered. She recognized him immediately, even though he wasn't supposed to be there. It was Kane.
I thought he was out for another two weeks? What is he doing here? She wondered, watching him move.
He walked with his posture stiff and his step sure. He seemed very confident and self-assured. His body language screamed 'Go Ahead!'
His long brown hair hung down in front, obscuring his face. Then with a snap of his head it flew back revealing a brown leather mask. The mask startled her at first. She had expected the red and black one he wore to the ring or no mask at all because that was just storyline, wasn't it? This one was different, unlike his ring mask with a slit for a mouth this one looked as if it would allow him to eat and drink without removing it.
She was looking quickly to the others to gauge their reaction to him. As with the others they initially looked in his direction. What happed next surprised her? They turned away! As one the assembled group dismissed him as nothing, beneath notice.
The only reaction by anyone was the sick smile that appearing on the face of his brother, the Undertaker.
Everyone else got some acknowledgment, but not him. Why? She thought, watching the display of disrespect with sad interest.
The whole scene shocked her. She'd always thought that regardless of what was going on there would be some bond among the wrestlers.
I wonder what he did to alienate the entire roster. She asked herself, watching Kane closely.
Kane
Entering the lobby, Kane looked, seeing that most of the roster had arrived before him.
I wish Vince didn't insist we all stay at the same hotel. It would be better if I could stay elsewhere. He thought to himself.
Flipping his hair back he looked around the room. He felt someone watching him. Having seen the others turn away he knew it wasn't one of them. It took him a moment to spot her. She was sitting off to the side. He couldn't tell exactly where she was looking because she wore sunglasses, but she was definitely out of place.
She's to calm to be a fan, and she isn't dressed like one either. The fans usually wear 'their' wrestlers merchandise or dress to impress. She isn't doing either. But with those sunglasses I can't be sure if it's her that I'm feeling either. He thought, studying her for a moment.
Finally he stopped glancing at her one last time before going to check in. All he wanted was to get upstairs and relax, away from everyone.
First I'll have to face Vince. He said to himself, not looking forward to the encounter.
When the fans called to him he raised his hand to thank them.
J.J.
Shit, she thought he spotted me. How did he, none of the others have noticed? Why did he?
Her first instinct was to get out of there.
But if I run that will definitely draw attention. I don't want to be remembered by these guys; I better just sit tight. She told herself.
She kept watching as Kane moved directly to the desk. When the fans called to him he seemed surprised that they cheered him. Kane stopped raising his hand with obvious hesitation to acknowledge them, before heading into the elevator.
This guy is a walking contradiction. His body language says one thing but his manner says something else entirely. She thought, deciding to watch him closely.
J.J. was so distracted by the fans that she almost missed it. Entering the elevator he didn't turn to the front like most people do. Then just as the doors were closing, she watched his shoulders slump, seeming to deflate the second he thought he was unobserved.
How odd that one is. She thought, wanting to see which was true, body language or manner.
