Chapter 6
*Kane*
Waking up, Kane smiled to himself.
Great I finally got a peaceful nights sleep, without dreams of J.J. or the fire. Kane thought, as he rolled over and stared at the ceiling.
Sitting up, he looked around and tried to remember what town he was in.
Oh yeah, Boulder. He said.
Getting up he stretched and headed for the shower.
Have an autograph session tomorrow before the event or I'd stay another day. It's really peaceful around here. Kane thought, remembering the quite tranquil feeling of the hike yesterday.
I'll have to come back here some day when I have more time to look around and hike. He thought, suddenly realizing he'd never have considered that before J.J.
Shaking his head, he again pushed thoughts of her away.
Once he was dressed, he headed downstairs and grabbed a bite to eat.
They are still watching me differently than they did before. Even Al seems to be staring and he never did before. Kane realized, looking around while he ate.
I wonder what the hell is going on. This doesn't feel right. He thought.
Now that's a stare I'm used to. He thought, when DX walked into the restaurant.
*X-Pac/Kane*
They look a little out of place without Hunter. Kane thought, smiling behind his mask.
Watching them for a moment, he realized that X-Pac looked like he was in pain.
He looks hurt and really distracted. Kane thought, as he watched the smaller man. Did they do something to him because he didn't come down and help them?
Looking up X-Pac caught Kane's eye.
I have to find a way to talk to him. He has no idea what kind of damage they plan to inflict. This time I can't just stand by and let it happen. There has to be some way that I can stop it from happening. X-Pac thought.
That little shit is up to something. I remember that look well. I can almost see the wheels turning. Kane thought, as he watched the smallest member of DX.
Can't let them catch me looking at him. They might read more than I want them too. I need to find some way to get close to him, to protect him without them realizing what is going on. X-Pac thought.
Turning his attention back to the rest of DX, X-Pac watched as Kane got up and left.
Standing up he watched as X-Pac tried to look anywhere but at him. He picked up his bags, dropped some bills on the table and left.
Getting to his rental, Kane drove himself to the airport.
*Ron/Mike*
"I can't believe it Mike. You mean even with your position you can't get anything. It's been almost a week." Ron said sounding exasperated.
"My contacts and position will only help if she gets into trouble or if someone happens to remember seeing her license plate. There are no guarantees here Ron." Mike said, sounding equally pissed.
"I don't mean to be an ass, I'm just worried. She's just up and disappeared. With the way she was acting beforehand, the articles and the smashed equipment I can't help but be worried." Ron replied, dropping his voice to a whisper.
"I know I'm really worried too. She's never wanted anything but to be a photographer. To see all her equipment smashed and know it was probably her that did it is not a good sign. We need to find her, but we have no reason to put out a missing person's or anything like that because we know she left on her own." Mike said, shaking his head with frustration.
"I guess now we just wait and hope she calls." Ron said sadly.
"Yeah, and if the WWF comes back we have a little chat with Kane." Mike said sounding angrier.
"Yeah but didn't the note say she left because of Vince." Ron asked.
"Yeah, we'll be talking to him too. We'll also look up that Pete guy she mentioned." Mike said, thinking aloud.
"She said he was a trainer right. That means of the three he'd probably be the easiest to get to."
"That's true maybe we should start with him." Mike decided. "In the mean time we just wait
and hope for some answers."
*J.J./Roger/Sandy*
Waking slowly, J.J. stretched trying to work some of the kinks out of her muscles.
I have got to stop sleeping on the couch. J.J. laughed to herself as she got up to dress.
After showering, she grabbed up the drawings and headed to the 'Stepping Stone'.
Looking at her watch she realized she was late and began to jog. She was there just a few minutes later and just a little out of breath.
"Rog, Sandy are you guys around." She yelled, as she knocked on the front door.
When she didn't get an answer she went around back, hoping they were back there and just hadn't heard her.
Knocking again she got no answer. J.J. reached down and turned the knob.
It's open? Why would it be open if they were not here? J.J. wondered, slowing pushing the door open.
As she walked in, she looked around for some sign of forced entry or a weapon in case she needed it.
I don't see anything that looks out of place. J.J. thought, as she moved farther into the room.
As she entered the kitchen she couldn't help but smile.
"You know you really should get a room." J.J. said, unable to hold back the laughter.
Jumping apart Rog and Sandy instantly began turning red.
"Ummm… we weren't…" Sandy began to stutter.
Shit what a position to be caught in. Sandy thought, feeling the sudden heat in her face and neck.
"Don't worry about it. I should have knocked louder." J.J. said, waving off her explanation.
Both of her employers quickly straightened their clothes and tried to stop their nervous laughter.
Soon Sandy had breakfast ready and they sat down to discuss today's plan.
J.J. showed them the drawings and they were both impressed with their detail.
"I really am glad you think these are good enough to show what you'd like to do. With a little more work you can begin to get this place in order." J.J. said, as she sat unconsciously toying with her pendant as she watched them sitting closely together with their hands clasped.
You? It sounds like she's planning to leave. We still need her. Roger thought, as he tried to find the words to keep her.
"What do you mean 'You', we're not letting you out of our sight until this place has it's grand reopening." Rog said, realizing she meant to leave now that the initial plans were done.
"But you don't really need me anymore. With what you've told me and these you should have no trouble getting this place just the way you want it." J.J. said, pointing to the stack of sketches.
"Nope, we have some other ideas too, and we'd like you here to help us make all the changes." Rog said
Don't push her Roger. We've obviously embarrassed her this morning. Sandy thought. But we really do need her.
"You don't really think we can manage all this without you J.J. Come on we need your expertise in color and layout." Sandy said, sounding firm in her decision. "You don't really plan to leave us now."
"I guess not." J.J. said, sounding less than enthusiastic.
Well, at least she's staying. But what is it about that pendant? Why does she keep touching it and getting that faraway look in her eyes? Sandy wondered, as she watched the younger woman.
I don't know how much longer I can watch you two together. It's killing me. J.J. thought, knowing that it was just because their relationship was so similar to hers and Kane's.
"J.J. if you really don't feel comfortable here it's ok. You can go ahead. You're probably right we can make do with what you've done so far. We're sorry if the way you found us this morning made you feel embarrassed." Sandy said.
"It's not that, honestly." J.J. said, trying to set her mind at ease.
No, that just made me realize how much I miss his touch. J.J. thought.
"Then what is it?" Sandy asked, seeing the longing clearly in her eyes.
"Oh, nothing. I'll be happy to stay until this is all finished." J.J. said, quickly trying to change the subject.
"Good," Rog said, "Now we won't have to lock her in the basement."
J.J. laughed but Sandy could see it never reached her eyes. Instead she saw J.J.'s hand drift up to finger the pendant she wore.
I will get this girl to open up. She's obviously hurting and needs someone to talk to. Sandy decided.
They worked through the day until time for the lunch crowd to begin making their appearance.
"Great job J.J. I'll let Sandy out of my sight tomorrow to go shopping with you. But only if you promise to be quick, because I can't last long without her." Roger said, sounding nervous.
"Oh you charmer." Sandy laughed.
"Don't pay any attention to this big baby. We can take as long as we need." Sandy added, still laughing a little.
"Whatever you want. I'm sure it won't take us too long all we'll be doing is checking out different curtains." J.J. replied, trying to laugh along with them.
Gathering together the newest batch of notes and sketches, she watched them tease each other.
She closed the last folder and headed for the door.
"Aren't you going to stay for lunch?" Roger called out.
"Thanks anyway but I have a few things to take care of." J.J. replied, heading for the back door.
"Something or someone really hurt her." Sandy said, taking Roger's hand.
"Why do you say that?" Roger asked, looking confused.
"I can't believe you don't see it. The way she looks at us? How she keeps playing with that pendant?" Sandy said, shocked that her husband was so blind.
"Sorry, must be a woman thing." He replied, earning a smack in the ass.
*Kane*
Arriving in Phoenix, Kane picked up his usual SUV. Instead of heading for the hotel he drove around looking at the city. Once it grew dark he drove out beyond the city lights and stopped on the side of the road. Getting out he looked up at the stars and allowed her to enter his mind for a moment.
I wonder if she went back to LA? Kane asked himself, but he had no answer.
After a moment he pushed his musing aside and got back into the rental. Getting to the hotel he went to his room. Then headed down to the gym for his daily workout.
He was nearly through, when he realized he wasn't alone. Looking up he was surprised to see Shane staring at him.
Kane put down weight he was holding and stood up from the bench.
What do you want boy? He wondered, staring at the heir.
"You better keep your distance. My father will fire you if you touch me again." Shane said in a shaky voice.
Just then a large security officer walked in.
"Mr. McMahon are you alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, but you'd better stay close. No telling what this nutcase will do." Shane said, moving toward one of the machines.
Kane sat back down then laid back. Picking up the bar he continued his workout. He was careful not to show how short of breath his routine was making him. When he was through he walked out without a single glance in Shane's direction.
I can't believe Vince is having his family guarded like that. As if it would do any good if any of us decided to do them some damage. Kane thought with a laugh as he headed upstairs.
Once in his room he calmed his breathing then ordered some dinner. He showered while he waited for it to arrive. After he'd eaten he tried to relax to keep his mind occupied until it was late enough to go to bed.
*DX*
"Hunter are you sure you're up to flying? We could stay here and let you rest for a bit. I don't have a match tomorrow." Tori said, once they'd picked up the DX leader from the hospital.
"I'm fine. I want to be there, I want to see him get what he deserves." Hunter said, roughly pushing Tori out of his face.
She is such a clinging little beast. Why did I ever let her back into DX? Oh yeah, to hurt the freak. Maybe I should give her back to him. Hunter thought knowing even Kane wasn't stupid enough to want her back.
"Is everything all set?" He asked Chyna.
"We could only talk to a few of the guys. But they were happy to help us out. We'll get some more stuff going once we get to Phoenix." Chyna said, with an evil smirk.
"That's my girl." He said, matching her smirk.
Shit, this is just getting worse and worse. They are going to kill him. X-Pac thought, becoming more worried about his ex-partner.
"What are we going to do? None of us have a match with him this week." Jessie asked.
"Not a problem. I've asked Vince to set up a couple of special matches for him. He was more than happy to comply." Hunter laughed.
*J.J.*
J.J. got back to her hotel room but wasn't able to sit still. Instead she took her car out and just cruised around until she found herself nearly falling asleep. Then she headed back to the hotel.
Getting back to the hotel she quickly climbed between the sheets.
***Dreaming***
J.J. wondered in her dream, running from one spot to another chasing something.
Tossing and turning constantly J.J. wasn't still for a second.
Looking in first one place then another J.J. couldn't find it. The more she looked the more anxious she became.
Damn it. I have to find it. I have to… everything depends on me finding it. J.J.'s mind said to her repeatedly in the dream.
***End Dream***
Waking groggily to the sound of a blaring alarm J.J. could barely move.
Damn what a night. I wonder what I was looking for. She thought, suddenly remembering the dream.
Dragging her weary body out of bed. She showered trying to clear the cobwebs. Then she walked to work.
*Kane*
Climbing into bed he curled up closed his eyes. Rolling over onto his back a small smile stretched across his face.
***Dreaming***
He felt her hand within his, then her head on his shoulder.
"Kane can we just sit like this for a bit. I'm so comfortable." He heard her say.
Kane nodded, both in the dream and as he lay upon the pillow.
Closing his eyes in the dream he felt her warmth against his side and just allowed himself to enjoy it.
***End dream***
Waking suddenly to a buzzing alarm, he reached over and threw it across the room.
Damn it! He thought, her absence almost painful after such a pleasant dream.
Throwing back the covers angrily he got up. After showering, he got into his ring gear and went downstairs to meet the car that would take him to the signing.
Walking across the lobby he saw people moving out of his path looking terrified. As he walked out the front door the chauffeur quickly opened the door of the car.
He looked scared to death. Kane thought, not entirely displeased to see it.
It's good, they see now that I've allowed the monster total control. I no longer have any desire to control him. Kane thought, knowing that it was the way it should always have been.
*Kane/Al*
What? I didn't know Al was part of this event too? Kane thought, surprised to see the smaller man and his mannequin head.
As they stood in the back room together, Kane tried to ignore his stares.
He's probably going to kill me but I have to know. Al thought, watching Kane for a moment.
"Kane I don't want you to kill us or nothing but we gotta to know. When she said she was quitting and asked you to leave with her how could you have said no? I mean she so obviously loves you and she was hot. Why would you choose this over her?" Al said, already prepared to run if Kane moved to attack.
What is he blathering about? Kane wondered, looking at Al.
Just then Al was introduced.
Slowly Al's words began to sink in.
Told me she was quitting and wanted me to go with her? Chose this? Is that what they think? They think I let her leave when she wanted me to go with her? Why would they think that, it doesn't make any sense? Kane thought, trying to understand.
Hearing his name being called he stepped through the curtain and took his seat beside 'Head'.
As he signed autographs he kept thinking about Al's words.
He thinks I'm busting his balls? He's not going to answer me. Al realized, watching Kane between signing his name.
He's just crazy, that's the only explanation I need for his questions. Kane decided after awhile.
He quickly pushed all thoughts of Al and J.J. from his mind and concentrated on the task at hand. Looking up he realized that people were looking decidedly afraid of him.
What's going on? I expect this attitude from the others. But the fans have never had anything to fear from me. Why are they looking afraid? Kane wondered.
Does he even realize he's staring bullets at these poor people? Al wondered, watching the fans fearful looks at Kane.
"Kane," Al whispered. "Lighten up, you look like you're ready to jump the table and kill someone."
Is that why they're looking scared? Am I doing what Al says I am? Kane wondered, intentionally trying to relax a bit.
He noticed the difference immediately; the people seemed a bit more relaxed.
When the session ended, they both walked out together.
Should I ask him again since he didn't really get a chance to answer me before? Al wondered, turning to look at the bigger man.
No I'd better not; he looks ready to kill someone again. Al decided.
Looking over at Al as they walked out. He debated demanding an explanation to his earlier question, but then decided it wasn't worth the effort and turned away.
*J.J.*
The next day, J.J. arrived to see Sandy already excited to be on her way. They headed right out.
"So tell me a little about yourself J.J.?" Sandy asked, as they walked through the first store.
"Nothing to tell. I was born and raised in California. I've had a really boring life actually." J.J. said, trying to stave off further questions.
"Why don't you tell me how Roger and you got together?" J.J. added, trying to steer the older woman in another direction completely.
"It was actually funny." Sandy said, falling for the switch. "We were introduced at a birthday party for my sister's daughter. He was just on leave from the Army and hadn't even planned on being there but his friend talked him into it by promising him dinner."
"Really?" J.J. said, keeping that line of discussion going.
J.J. managed to keep Sandy off questioning her all day by getting her to talk about herself, Roger and their son.
Back at the restaurant, J.J. helped her bring in the purchases she'd made then left quickly.
*Roger/Sandy*
"So did you manage to get anything juicy in your interrogation?" Roger asked, knowing his wife was an expert at getting information.
"No?" Sandy suddenly realized. "I didn't get a thing out of her except that she was born and raised in California."
"What, the great gatherer of information failed to gain anything from her latest victim?" Roger said laughing.
She managed to block me and change the subject every time I tried to get her to talk about herself. What is she so determined to hide? Sandy wondered, laughing at her husband's attitude.
"Don't worry dear. I'm sure you'll get it all next time you get her alone." Roger said, continuing to laugh.
"Oh shut up! Like you're not curious about her. I mean we've known her a week and still don't know a thing about her." Sandy said, trying to look hurt by his laughter.
"I'm sorry babe, but guys just don't care about those things. I've known guys for years and not even know how old they are." Rog said trying not to start laughing again.
"Oh get to work old man." Sandy said.
"Old man?…" Roger said.
"Get out of my kitchen." Sandy added throwing a dishtowel at him.
"I'm going… I'm going." He said rushing through the door.
*J.J.*
She's determined to find out everything about me. I'll have to keep an eye on her. I won't lie to her but I don't want her to know how badly I've fucked up my life. J.J. thought sadly.
Sitting down she stared into space trying to decide if between staying and going before she said something that she would regret.
Sandy is the kind of person who always wants to fix everything. I don't want her trying to fix this. That would only make things worse. J.J. thought, reaching for the first photo album.
As she sat on the couch, looking through the pictures once again.
After a while she ordered something to eat and finally went to bed.
She spent another restless night searching for something she couldn't name or find.
*Kane*
Getting back to his hotel he couldn't get Al's words out of his head.
They have all been looking at me oddly. I thought it was because of the cage match. But now that I think about it the looks started before the match. They began that day at the hotel, when she left me her cameras. Could what Al said be true? Do people think I left her? They think that I actually had a choice in the matter that we could have somehow remained together. Why would they even think that? Kane wondered, pacing his room.
It doesn't matter what they think. None of them know what she did; none of them know what happened. I couldn't have stayed with her, not after what she did. She knew I'd leave if I found out about her. That's why she didn't tell me. He thought.
But I have to say it was good that she kept our problems quite. Unlike X-Pac and Tori she did things privately. Kane thought, giving J.J. credit for discretion.
Putting the whole thing out of his mind, Kane tried to relax and think about tomorrow's event.
I don't even know who I'm facing. I think I'll go over tomorrow morning and get the tape for the last event. Maybe I'll have time to find out what happened before the talent meeting. Kane decided.
Finally managing to calm down and relax he sat back and tried to decide who he'd request, if a match weren't already set for him.
I'd love to get that bitch Chyna after the low blow the other day. But I won't be the one to go after her. It just wouldn't be right for me to demand a match against a woman. Even if she is more muscular than most of the men in the company. Kane thought, making himself smile.
Eventually he felt his eyes growing heavy and decided he'd best get some rest.
Crawling into bed Kane curled up beneath the sheet and was nearly instantly asleep.
***Dreaming***
Walking backstage after a match he could feel the welts, bruises and other injuries already making their presence known.
J.J.'s going to kill me. Kane thought, smiling as he headed for his dressing room.
He'd barely arrived when he saw J.J. throw the door open.
"Just what the hell did you think you were doing out there? I told you not to get yourself hurt, now sit down so I can get a look at you." She yelled.
Kane smiled both in the dream and as he slept.
"I said SIT!" She yelled louder when he didn't move fast enough.
Taking a seat he reveled in the feel of her hands on his skin. Her fingertips probing and caressing as she looked him over.
"Nothing too bad I guess." He heard her say at last.
Then he felt her hands slide down his chest and her head moving down rest against his shoulders.
"Baby you really know how to make a girl worry you know that?" She whispered.
He moved reaching up to touch her…
***End dream***
Ow shit! He thought, opening his eyes and quickly realizing he'd just punched the headboard.
*J.J.*
Waking up J.J. stretched and tried to get her blood flowing.
Well this is going to be a ten-cup day. J.J. thought, knowing with how little sleep she'd gotten the two nights, she'd need plenty of caffeine.
Showering J.J. thought about Sandy's questions yesterday.
I don't want to leave. It's gotten to the point where I want to see how this place turns out. J.J. thought. If she keeps pushing I'll just have to tell her that I don't want to talk about it.
Drying off J.J. reached for her clothes.
That won't work very well, it will only make her more determined to find out what I'm hiding and why. I guess I'll just have to deal with that when and if it happens. J.J. thought, dashing out the door.
I need to be sure I get out in time to be back for the event. I don't want to miss it. J.J. thought, even as she arrived at the restaurant.
"Sandy," J.J. said entering the kitchen. "What's the plan for today. I know you wanted to start looking at color schemes."
"Yeah that would be great. If we can gather all the parts then once we close the place to paint the walls we'll have everything we need right away." She said.
"She just wants an excuse to shop, like all women." Roger said, entering the room.
J.J. felt her heart twist remembering some of the things she did to hide what she was buying when she shopped for Kane's birthday.
"Typical man. Has no idea that not only is shopping therapy, but it needs to be done by someone. If we left it to him, we'd wind up with clashing colors and nothing would be ready on time." Sandy said to J.J.
J.J. just laughed and unconsciously touched the pendant she always wore.
That pendant is a big clue. If only I could get her to talk, I'm sure I could help. She always looks so sad. Sandy thought, as she took J.J.'s arm and led her back out the door.
As they shopped for paint, tablecloths and other necessities Sandy again tried to get her to open up.
"After yesterday you know everything about me. But I still don't know a thing about you." Sandy said, deciding to be blunt.
"There really is nothing to know. I Got out of college and fell into a job working in Forensics quite by accident. Did that for a while but the sight of bodies began to really affect me so I decided to quit." J.J. said, hoping that would be enough to satisfy her curiosity.
She's not going to quit. I can see it in her eyes and body language. She's determined to get the answers she wants. J.J. thought.
I'll have to try another direction. Sandy decided, as they continued shopping.
"Wow, that's a lovely pendant." Sandy said, as if noticing it for the first time.
New tact, but same attempt. J.J. thought, almost laughing at how determined Sandy was.
"Do you like it? It's a Celtic symbol of inner balance." J.J. said. "Not that it's managed to balance me much."
"Where did you get it, or was it a gift?" Sandy asked.
Smooth, really smooth. J.J. thought, smiling despite efforts not to.
"Truthfully, I can't remember where I got it. I've had it forever." J.J. said, throwing up a roadblock to that line of questioning.
I'll always remember the day I got it and the man I love buying it for me. J.J. thought, even as she said the words.
I don't think she's telling the truth about that. But why is she being so damn secretive? Sandy wondered, as they continued on their way.
Sandy made a few more attempts but was blocked at every pass. Finally she decided to give up for the day.
They got back to the restaurant right around suppertime.
"Where you been woman. I had to call in the reinforcements." Rog said, pointing to a young lady in the kitchen doorway.
"Maryanne, how nice to see you. I hope you held out for a decent wage before agreeing to bail his ass out." Sandy said, going over to hug the young woman.
"Sure thing Mrs. Panne." Maryanne said, with an obvious southern drawl.
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Sandy?" The older woman chastised.
"Just the southern way Mrs. …I mean Sandy." She laughed.
"Maryanne, we'd like you to meet J.J. She's the kind woman who's helping us make this place over." Rog said. "And the reason my Sandy abandoned me today."
"Nice to meet you Maryanne. They're doing all the work, I've just got them convinced it's me." J.J. said laughing, and reaching to shake the young lady's hand.
"As for Sandy, you saw her drag me out of here this morning. If anyone was to blame for your abandonment it was all her." J.J. added, turning to Rog with her hands on her hips.
"Ok I give, I give… outnumbered by women again. When will I learn?" Roger said, throwing up his hands and backing away from the kitchen.
This got all the girls laughing.
"J.J. will you be staying for dinner?" Sandy asked, hoping for another opportunity to question her.
"Sorry, I have plans tonight." J.J. said, already thinking about seeing Kane even if it was only on TV.
She's never seemed to have plans before. I wonder what's going on. She actually looked happy for a second, but then it passed? That is really odd. Sandy thought, still trying to figure out her newest employee.
*Kane*
Kane tried to get back to sleep, but it was a waste of time.
Actually considering the dreams I've been having lately, I'm better off awake. Kane thought, as he rolled out of bed.
Throwing on some sweats, he headed down to the gym.
I really shouldn't do this on an event day, but I need it too much to skip. Kane thought, as he began to run through his routine.
Just keep it light, not the usual weight. That way you won't be tired later. Kane decided.
As he went through the routine. He thought about how the dreams had changed in the last few days.
Somehow I hate these more than the nightmares. At least when the dreams were bad I was all right once I was awake. With these I feel like shit when I realize it was only a dream. Kane thought, trying to push the dream and the emotions it had evoked aside.
Finishing up the routine, he headed back upstairs. Walking into the room he felt it immediately.
Something isn't right! His mind shouted, instantly putting him on alert.
He quickly dropped what he held and peered around the room. He spotted his attacker just as he moved to strike.
Damn it! What the hell is he doing? Kane thought, sidestepping a bat wielding Adam Bomb and simultaneously pushing him into the door.
The impact with the door stopped his momentum, but didn't disarm him.
Come on you bastard let's see what you've got. Kane thought, waving at the big man to come on.
With a growl Bomb attacked again. As he swung the bat down Kane grabbed it, and spun the man around. Then he pulled the bat backward against his assailant's throat.
Let's see you get out of this one you asshole. Kane thought, as he slowly choked the man out.
Once he was unconscious, Kane stood over him for a moment.
I've had no problem with this one in a while? What would make him choose now to try and ambush me? Kane thought, staring down at him.
Had to be DX. No one else has been trying so hard to put me out. Kane thought, picking up the limp Adam Bomb and opening his door.
Walking down the hall he listened until he heard the unmistakable sound of Hunter's laugh. Then he walked over and dropped Bomb on the floor outside their door, making sure that he thumped against it.
Turning he walked quickly back to his room.