Chapter 21 Together For the Better
Thanks to everyone this story is now in my top ten all time for views. Sorry this took so long to get posted.
Riley was in agony with each punch he took. He was pinned to a wall unable to defend himself. Riley tried to turn and the attacker went for his face. One good shot caught Riley in eye but at least now he could kick the guy off. The attacker was reaching into his pocket. Riley get up and lunged for the guy anything to stop him from pulling what ever it was he reaching for. The attacker hit his head on the side and Riley away his mask showing Orton's face. Riley land a hard cross to Orton's jaw. The door opens and the both fall out. Orton kicks Riley hard in the side and gets the mount to hit more punches. One hard punches dazes Riley badly. Orton reaches back into his pocket and pulls out a knife.
THUD
Orton falls over. Riley looks up and sees Mandy standing over him and Orton holding her hair dryer in her hands. She had just smacked Orton in the head with hit. "What the bloody hell is going on out here?" Zack Sabre Jr. says coming out of his room with Michael Elgin and Will Osperay. "Riley mate you okay?" Will says going to check on him. "He jumped me in elevator," Riley weakly. "He's lying," Orton says getting up and trying to sneak off. "You aren't going anywhere," Elgin says grabbing onto him. "Riley we need take you to a hospital. And someone call the cops on that son a bitch," Mandy says pointing at Orton. "Look he attacked me," Orton says. "Than why do you have a knife?" Sabre asks holding up the blade Orton has dropped.
Mandy ignores him and is more worried about Riley. "Shit that eye looks really bad," Ospeary says. "Riley what happened?" Mandy asks. "I was in the elevator was to wrapped up checking basketball scores on my phone. Didn't give a second thought to some other guy getting on," Riley says clearly in pain. He coughs and Mandy sees blood.
The Next Day
It was the era of Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Cameras were every where and the footage was already everywhere. Even TMZ, ESPN, Fox Sports, among other news sources picked up the story. Orton has been taken into custody. So far WWE was silent, as were both New Japan and Ring of Honor. The attack had led to many people and hotel staff calling the police. Orton was taken into custody although he insisted Riley had attacked him. Riley meanwhile had been taken to the hospital to get checked out. His eye was swollen shut and face was bruised. There was some minor internal injures but nothing that was dangerous. "Look on the bright side Mandy last time were in a hospital in Japan I had broke neck," Riley tired to joke at one point. It had fallen flat.
The doctors had cleared him to travel. As they were getting ready to leave a man had approached him and Mandy. "Mr. Morgan I am Inspector Mikami with the Tokyo Police we need to speak about the incident last night." "Was a there a security tape?" Riley asks. "Yes sir there was. But we still have questions," Mikami says. Riley nods. "We will make it quick Mr. and Mrs. Morgan," Mikami assures them before leading them a set of chairs in the waiting room area. "The tape shows him attack you. Did anything happen before this? We need to know his motivation," Mikami says. Riley looks over at Mandy. They had done all they could to keep what had happened with Orton and her silent. She nods knowing things have changed.
"A few months ago Orton tried to force my wife into a sexual relationship. We went to her company. And I made it clear he needed to stay away from her," Riley says. Mikami listens. "Were there any other incidents since than and last night?" "No he kept away from me. Although he was suspended for a while," Mandy says. "Did you or he say anything in the elevator Mr. Morgan?" "No I didn't realize it was him until the mask came off later," Riley says.
Meanwhile
"Why is there always an incident when Mandy Rose's husband is around," Vice McMahon says on his private plane headed back for the states. Everyone else on the flight was silent. Triple H looked down at his phone. "SHIT the surveillance video has been leaked," Triple H says. Vince grabs the phone and than says. "Let me see it." The tape show exactly what happened Riley standing checking his phone. Orton in his disguise attacks him. "This isn't the whole video," Vince says. "How many damn times has he have to get in trouble before we punish him for real," Matt Bloom suddenly speaks up. "Matt you know this is complicated," Hunter says. "Its a criminal case," Matt says. "The lawyers are working on getting Randy free and back to the US," Stephanie says.
"Look I am in the jog I'm in because you needed a replacement for Bill Demott," Matt says. "This isn't the same thing," Vince says. "Vince I have nothing but respect for you. But you turn a blind eye to this stuff way to often. There is no denying Orton's talent or popularity. But he keeps doing shit like this. Hell we could be facing lawsuits from both Mandy and her husband," Matt says. "Let's not get carried away. We can suspend Randy," Hunter says. Matt knows he is pushing it so he holds back on reminding them Randy had just come off suspension.
Japan
"No mom I'm fine. Yeah it looks bad but I'm fine," Riley says into his phone. Mandy listens as Riley talked to his mother trying to assure he wasn't seriously hurt again. "I don't know what they are going to do with him. Mom I know you are worried but Mandy and aren't sure what we are doing about anything… Because it's complicated mom…. Mom I'm not going to order her to do anything…. No my neck is fine he didn't even touch it… Look I love you we will talk when I am back in the states," Riley says before hanging up. "She thinks I should quit the WWE doesn't' she?" Mandy asks. "She isn't thinking. Its just she wants me safe. And I can't say oh mom it was just a mistake. She is seeing footage of me being assaulted," Riley says.
Before Mandy can say anything a knock on the door. "Who is it?" Riley asks. "Its Kenny." Riley opens the door. "Holy shit man your face," Kenny says. "Gee thanks pal," Riley says. "How is your neck?" Kenny asks. "He was more worried attacking my body for what ever reason," Riley says. "Guess you got lucky Supergirl here save you," Kenny says looking at Mandy. "Saved my life again," Riley says smiling but than Mandy storms off to the bathroom. "Mandy?" Riley calls no response. Riley goes up and knocks on the door to the bathroom no response again. Finally he goes in.
"Hey what's wrong?" He says asks as Mandy is whipping tears from her eyes. "It just hit me how badly you could have been hurt. Riley he had a knife. You warned me to not trust him months ago but I didn't listen," Mandy says. "Hey this is not your fault. You were the victim of that predator's sick tendencies," Riley says. "And he targeted you," Mandy says. "Because he is sick freak that doesn't understand how the real world works. Because he's been allowed to get away with doing what ever he wants to who ever he wants for years. Mandy I am just grateful that he went after me and not you this time," Riley says. "What if he tries something again?" Mandy asks.
"Mandy there is a good chance Orton isn't getting out of Japan any time soon. When I first came to Japan Rocky Romero told me the dumbest thing I could do is get arrested. He may not be getting out of jail much less back in the US," Riley tells her. "Its just always something. And I'm just worried. Maybe I should leave the WWE and we should both retire," Mandy says. "Okay calm down. You are talking almost as crazy as I did when I wanted to break up because of my neck," Riley says. She finally takes a deep breath. "That wasn't crazy that was you just being stupid," Mandy says. "You better?" She nods. "Its just always something and it's always my crazy co-workers," Mandy says. "I'll take them all if it means being with you," Riley says. She kisses him.
They head back to the room where Kenny is still waiting. "You guys okay?" He asks. "We are as we can be," Mandy says. "Hey Mandy I think your phone was ringing," Kenny says. Mandy picks up here phone. "I don't know this number," Mandy says. "Odds are its a reporter that got you number some how," Riley says. "They left a message," Mandy says going to play it and turning on the speaker. "Hello Mandy its Vince. We need to talk about what happened. I will be in Orlando at the Performance Center on Thursday," Vince's voice says. Both Mandy and Riley share a look they had dealt with Vince summing before. "Also I would appericate it if Riley was there as well. Things need to change Mandy," Vince finishes.
"If this guy tries to blame you or me for this I might turn into Bret Hart in Montreal," Riley finally says. "If you don't want to go I understand," Mandy says. "Would you really hit him?" Kenny asks. "At this stage I'm so pissed yes," Riley says.
Days later
Mandy had not felt this nervous walking into the Performance Center in a long time. Not since her earlier days when many of the veterans had been hazing her. This was like those feelings only amplifed to the tenth degree. Riley was besides her. They were taken to an office in the production area. "Mr. McMahon will be here soon," The the employee says to them. "Is anyone else here?" Mandy asks. "Well both Hunter and Stephanie are here as is Matt Bloom but I don't know who will be in the meeting," They says before looking around. "Mandy and Riley I hope they fire that bastard," The employee says before walking off. "At least we have some support," Riley says. "We got each other," Mandy reminds him.
Vince enters as usual he is nicely dressed. "Mandy, Riley thank you both for coming. Have a seat," Vince says. They sit on a sofa fully expecting Vince to take sit behind the desk instead he takes a chair next to them. "Riley how are you feeling?" He asks. Mandy can tell what is going on. This is not strict boss Mr. McMahon. This was the charming Vince McMahon that inspired loyalty out of his employees for decades. "I am still pretty sore," Riley finally says. "Randy is still being held in custody," Vince tells them. They already knew almost everyone knew it. The story was generating huge press. "Mr. McMahon sir… How are you going to handle Randy?" Mandy asks.
Vince takes a deep breath. "Randy has been given many chances to correct his behavior. A lot of people think I should have fired a while ago. Now honestly despite what how I am portrayed on TV I don't like just firing people. I actually think trying to work with Randy to show him what is right and wrong is better for everyone," Vince tries to explain. Riley wanted to snap and scream that was a load of bull shit. Frankly he was sick of this. When Reigns had been acting like a jackass treating Mandy and a lot of other people like shit Vince he deafened him. When Roman and Nakamura had started a fist fight with Riley that resulted in Mandy getting hurt Vince had protected them. For years reports of JBL and his "Wrestler's Court" had come out all with Vince being fine with it.
To a point Riley could get some of that. His issues with Nakamura had gone back years, Roman was defending the company not helped by Riley's own dumb impulses to punch him one day. JBL was hardly the first locker room enforcer and guys like that were in every company. But Randy was different. This was a guy trying to force a woman into a sexual relationship. Instead of being fired he was given a vacation and returned to headline a big show. Finally Riley could hold back no more. "Vince what if attacks my wife next? What do you expect me to do?" Riley finally says. "I don' think… He wouldn't do that," Vince says. "With all due respect sir. Did you think he would attack me?" Riley asks. It's a rare time when Vince McMahon is left speechless. "Vince, Riley's real concern is my safety," Mandy says.
"Mr. McMahon the whole week when I couldn't be with Mandy all I could do is worry about what could happen," Riley admits. "We have procedures in place if Mandy or anyone feels unsafe," Vince claims. That was true several agents had told Mandy to come to them if there was any problem. "And something still happened. And it's not the first time," Riley adds. "I have been told we should have punished more severally," Vince admits. Both Mandy and Riley are silent. "I have had a lot of time to think about it. I am going to help Randy with legal situation because I don't think he deserve to be stuck in jail in another country. But I am firing him," Vince says. "What?" Mandy asks stunned.
"I am firing him. He won't be drawing a pay check from this company right now. I will tell Randy if he ever wants to be rehired he will have to under go a great deal of consoling," Vince says. "So you would rehire him?" Riley asks. "I believe in never saying never. But it's also not a guarantee. I won't even consider it for a while. And I am serious why I say he will need to under go some type of counseling. Randy has some very self destructive habits," Vince says. "And am I going to be punished?" Mandy asks waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Heaven no. Mandy you were a victim and you have handled this very well. Lets just hope Randy can take care of himself. Now I have other things I must deal with," Vince says. "Thank you sir," Mandy says getting up. Riley stands as well. Vince extends his hand Riley shakes it.
They walk out of the Performance Center in silence. Mandy isn't sure why but she is getting the sense Riley is mad. Once they climb into the car he finally speaks. "What a crock of shit." "Riley calm down," Mandy says as he starts the car. "Oh hey Randy's fired but nothing is really changing," Riley rants. "What is going on?" Mandy asks. "What about next time," Riley says. "Orton has been fired let's not worry about him," Mandy says. "Orton isn't the only problem. Do you remember how much Vince looked the other way with Reigns. Hell Orton never should have been allowed back in the company. But oh so power Mr. McMahon has made it pretty clear he doesn't care," Riley says disgustedly.
"That's not true. It's not Vince's fault," Mandy says. "It partially is. And what happens next time?" Riley asks "Riley calm down. You are making it seem like I'm not safe in the WWE," Mandy says. "Maybe your not," He yells. "You are scared aren't you?" Mandy finally asks. "Of course I am. Mandy I can handle some guy attacking me. But going after you again that worries me. What if he had been brought back during a UK tour or a just some random loop in the US?" Riley says.
"He didn't," Mandy reminds him. He finally takes a breath. They stay silent before finally Riley speaks again. "We sure have been through it haven't we? Broken ankle, broken neck, my crazy ex." "My old bullies, one crazy co-worker, another crazy co-worker," Mandy finishes. "Let's not forget reality television," Riley jokes. They both laugh. "Hey turn left," Mandy says. "Ah why? Its easier to just go through fort hill," Riley says. "Just turn," Mandy instructs. Riley turns.
"Now keep on this street," Mandy says. "Mandy it curves we are going the wrong way," Riley says. "Just trust me," Mandy says. They keep driving with Mandy telling Riley where to go. "Wait this is your old apartment building," Riley says as they pull into a parking lot. "Sure is. For us where it all started. Our first kiss, our first date," Mandy says. Riley smiles. "My first I am sorry for being an idiot." "So with all we have been through from here to all over the world we always get through it," Mandy says. Riley leans in and kisses her. "You saved me when I broke my neck. You supported me when I wanted to come back. All I want do is protect you," Riley says. "I feel the same way. But we can't hide away. Lets go home," Mandy says. "You got it," Riley says.
So this is end? Of this story yes. But I won't say I am done with Rile given I already did that before and I did another story. So let's see if inspiration strikes.