Chapter 26
The following week, July walked inside the arena, black shades on top of her head with a black and dark green corset top on, black skirt with knee high boots, knowing she had to make an appearance regarding the pay-per-view, which was Sunday. She was exhausted, though her uncle had been released from the hospital and taking care of his half of the company. She walked inside 'Taker's dressing room, which was now her office, a desk set up with a computer and July McMahon name plate on the front, causing her to shake her head. She walked over, setting her bag down and sat down, seeing the comfortable furniture, black leather.
'Taker froze in the doorway, turning his head to read the plaque on the door "CEO/Undertaker." He rolled his eyes, looking into the room and snorted. "July, I'm going to go use the men's common room tonight." He said, not in the mood to deal with the shit that would undoubtedly be coming her way. That and if he was around and he heard something he didn't like he'd probably go flying off the handle. This made it easier all the way around on them both.
She could only nod back at him. "Alright, if you want I can get us separate rooms from now on." She turned her computer on and took her sunglasses off, setting them on the desk before digging some files out of her bag. She had a meeting at three with the Corporate Headquarters, which she would be attending via satellite along with her uncle. She snorted at the thought with a roll of her eyes that was going to be just LOADS of fun.
'Taker felt like he should say something to her, explain that it wasn't HER, but her JOB, though he couldn't find the words. Walking over to kiss her forehead, he squeezed July's shoulder before walking out. Though this did have its perks. He'd be able to keep tabs on Austin all the more easily.
Christian slipped into the room as soon as 'Taker was gone. "You two fighting or something?" He asked.
"No, he just doesn't want to be around incase I make decisions he might not like." She replied with a soft smile, patting a seat beside her, crossing one leg over the other. She sighed when Christian visibly cringed. "He won't hurt me." She had to keep reassuring him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "We're fine, Christian. I love him and he loves me. He said he would never hurt me and he hasn't. I can't stop him from having his tempers and mood swings, because that's who he is and I can't fault him for it."
Christian really did not want to burst her bubble so he just nodded, raking a hand through his hair. He respected the Undertaker. He had a LOT of respect for the man, but he didn't trust him. You simply do not trust people who slap women and break their faces. You do not trust people who embalm other people alive. Granted, Christian had done his fair share of violence, but his wasn't driven by insanity either.
"How's it feel to be the new tag team champion?" She asked, changing the subject, knowing Christian had his doubts about 'Taker. July did too, but that wouldn't stop her from loving him any less. He would never hurt her and she believed him. He took care of her, clothed her, changed her from a girl to a woman in a matter of months. He was her prince charming in a sick, twisted sort of way. She seen her email pop up and opened the message, rolling her eyes before deleting it. "Junk."
Clearing his throat, Christian decided a change of topic was in order, since July wouldn't hear a word against the Deadman. He supposed he couldn't blame her. 'Taker had been the first person to show her true kindness. He'd cared for July even when he had no reason to at all, which still confounded Christian to this day, but...he wasn't a mind reader and even if he was, he could think of better things to do then delve into the Undertaker's mind. Like getting a root canal without the Novocain for instance. "So how are you liking the job, Miss CEO?"
"Exhausting, but apparently I've been the balance this place needs." She smiled at her best friend, leaning back in her chair and sighed when her reminder popped up, knowing her meeting was in ten minutes. "Oh, I wanted to inform you that the Dudley Boys have put their rematch clause in so you two will have to defend your titles tonight on Raw against them." She sighed when Christian groaned, patting his shoulder reassuringly. "They're pushovers. You can do it." She winked and smirked when he grumbled, kissing his cheek. "Now go on, I have a meeting to attend and you have a title match to prepare for. Let Edge know."
Growling playfully under his breath, Christian walked around the desk to hug July briefly then left, knowing Edge would be THRILLED about that. The Dudley Boys enjoyed putting people through tables and so far, they'd avoided it.
July had put the stipulation out that if the Dudley Boys tried putting Edge and Christian through a table, they were going to forfeit their title shot on the spot. They weren't happy about that, but July didn't care. She was going to be fair, damn it! Sighing, the meeting began as she appeared via satellite, nodding at everyone, even her uncle reluctantly. "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, shall we get started?" Her tone was purely professional as she smiled innocently, knowing her uncle was loathing her right now.
Vince still owned half the company and knew he could veto anything she said or contradict it. The board would eventually decide who to go with. Hopefully July would be a good little bitch and just keep her mouth shut.
"We want to discuss your ideas for the pay-per-view as only a handful of matches have officially been announced."
July owned the other half so if her uncle wanted to keep his little company alive, he would keep HIS mouth shut. She knew what he was thinking and simply leaned back against her chair, looking over her notes. "We already know Stone Cold is going to defend the WWF title against the Undertaker. I made sure he earned it too, Vince." She pointedly shot that at him, knowing he was going to try running his mouth before smiling at the others. "I have seen dissention among D-Generation-X and have decided Triple H and Chyna will face X-Pac and Road Dogg in an inter-gender tag team match." She was going to split the Corporation up one way or another and DARED her uncle to contradict her, especially since the others were eating up her ideas.
"Wait one damn minute, they're in the Corporation." Vince interrupted, not failing his niece's expectations. "Shane is due back any day now, it is HIS decision what to do with the Corporation, not yours, July."
"Actually Vince, in the long run, it's up to us." The senior board member said, smiling politely. "So you can each try to sell us on why we should or should not allow this match and we'll consider it, Miss McMahon?"
"I think it would be a great match, especially with how much tension the group has had recently." She replied softly, folding her hands and resting her chin on them with a smile. "Though if you feel that this match wouldn't live up to its potential, then I will disregard it." When they agreed with her, July felt triumphant. "Now as for the Intercontinental title, I think The Rock deserves a rematch against Ken Shamrock." The Rock had recently left the Corporation while Ken Shamrock stayed behind.
"The Rock is still in the hospital and has a concussion." Vince interjected with a sigh because he did agree on that match. "His physician confirmed an hour ago that he will be in no condition to compete this Sunday." His face was now reddening. "Which he would have been if you could keep better control of the Undertaker."
Now that the board agreed with Vince on. "How is Michael Cole's condition, by the way?"
"He's progressing nicely, he should be released from the hospital by tomorrow. Now Vince, forgive me, but I thought you were in charge of ALL the wrestlers?" She quipped amusedly, raising an eyebrow. "I mean unless I'm mistaken, you ARE the Chairman, correct? The CEO is responsible for the matches, not how the wrestlers act. That, I believe, is the Chairman's job." She was right when her uncle's face turned crimson red and leaned back in her chair. "I am truly sorry about The Rock, but like I said, it is YOUR responsibility to handle your wrestlers, SIR."
"Actually Miss McMahon..." He cleared his throat uncomfortably, liking this young woman much better than Vince. "Because your uncle was incapacitated that night…by the Undertaker and in no condition to make decisions let alone take charge of the superstars, that job fell onto you. So you are responsible for the Undertaker's actions concerning RAW."
Now it was Vince looking smug.
July sighed heavily, now remembering that. "Forgive me that was my first night. I'm still trying to adjust to this job." Her smile didn't falter as she rubbed her temples, trying to get control of this situation. "My apologies, Vince." She couldn't believe those words just came out of her mouth, but there it was. "The Undertaker's actions will not be taken lightly. He will not lose his title shot, but he will be heavily fined for what he did." She hated saying that, but knew as the CEO, she couldn't play favorites. "Is that acceptable?"
"That is acceptable." Vince agreed, smirking. He knew she would have rather bitten off her tongue than apologize to him and cleared his throat. "While we're on the subject of responsibilities, I agree as chairman that I am held accountable for the superstars actions, but...the Undertaker is a perfect example that when the Commissioner -who as far as I know is still July- makes a decision that not everyone agrees with, bad things happen. As she is the Commissioner, I do believe she assumes responsibility?"
"That is normally the case, it's been how long since Raw has had a Commissioner?"
"Some time now."
"Actually Vince, before Linda bestowed the honor upon me to become the new CEO of the World Wrestling Federation, she hand picked a suitable Commissioner. One that I think you will be MOST interested in. Say hello." Another face came on the screen and it was none other than Shawn Michaels. July smirked as Vince's jaw dropped to the desk, causing her to lean back in her chair while the other Board of Directors congratulated her. "So from now on, the matches will be Mr. Michaels' responsibility and I will deal with the Undertaker's actions accordingly."
Shawn was grinning from ear to ear, waving at them all. "Ladies and Gentlemen, all your matches are fine except since HBK is now in charge...we're gonna liven this pay-per-view up a bit."
Was Linda out to torment him? Shawn as Commissioner meant July couldn't step in and interfere -nor could he- unless the board gave them approval. "Oh lord..."
"Now did I hear Shane-O-Mac is back?"
July was grinning from ear to ear and waved back at Shawn. "Hello Mr. Michaels." She smiled when he told her to call him Shawn. "My apologies Shawn. Yes, you heard right. Shane McMahon will be back tonight on Raw." When Vince's jaw dropped again, July was positively glowing as she clasped her hands together. "What did you have in mind for the pay-per-view, Shawn?"
"Well little darlin', I'm planning on making that announcement tonight LIVE, since I'm currently in the building, I figured I'd make myself useful." He said with a wink, grinning like a Cheshire cat when Vince loudly groaned. "You say something?"
"My company is ruined..."
There was laughter hidden by a lot of sudden coughing.
July laughed softly before clearing her throat, though her eyes were glittering. Shawn would be making his announcement after she formally introduced him in the middle of the ring. "I believe that is everything unless you had something else to address, Vince?" She smiled innocently back at him and nodded when he just grumbled, shaking his head. "Until next time ladies and gentlemen. Shawn, I will see you later tonight in the ring." She winked at him before closing the screen out and leaned back in her chair, knowing she just pulled the wool over her uncle's eyes.
Shawn's laughter could be heard all down the hallway as he leaned back in his own office chair, folding his hands behind his head, feet propped up on his desk. This was going to be so much fun!
"How'd your meeting go?" 'Taker asked as he walked in without knocking, in his wrestling gear, ice on his knuckles from pounding the hell out of Austin.
"Fi-" July's eyes widened at his bruised knuckles, slowly standing up from her chair, shaking her head back and forth. "'Taker, please tell me you didn't..."
"Someone get the doctor, Austin's down!!"
"Son of a bitch!" She cursed, shaking her head, and stormed past 'Taker out of her office, running down the hallway, seeing Austin was down and bleeding from his head. "Steve, you're going to be alright." She nodded at Larry before standing back, storming back to her office. "Your fine just doubled, 'Taker. If you do anything like that again, I will forfeit your title shot." She stated evenly before sitting down in front of her desk.
He snorted, not caring about the fines, he had plenty of money. Though his eyes twinkled with grim amusement. "YOU can't do a thing about my title shot." He told her, watching the 'oh really' look come on her face. "I was just informed that Shawn is Commissioner. Which means as CEO, you don't have a say anymore unless HE screws up so badly the board boots his ass." 'Taker cracked his knuckles, the swelling gone down enough for him to discard the ice. "Your job is to keep Vince's ass in line July, not mine."
"I can talk to Shawn about it though, 'Taker." She informed him, remembering what the Board of Directors told her in her first meeting. "If both the Commissioner AND the CEO come to an understanding, then the decision can be overridden. Please don't make me go to that extreme." July really didn't want to have to go to that measure, but she would if it would stop 'Taker from attacking Superstars left and right. "Be a man and wait until your title shot. Why did you attack Austin anyway besides the fact that you hate him?"
In a matter of seconds he had gone from morbidly amused to deadly. 'Taker bent over the desk so his face was directly in hers, hands splayed on top of her papers. "Be a man?" He whispered dangerously, green eyes venomous. "Do you remember who you're talking too, July?" He demanded, slapping the desk when she didn't reply. "ANSWER ME!"
"Yes I do." She didn't flinch and slowly stood up from her chair, squaring her shoulders, staring into his green eyes. "I know exactly who I'm talking too, Undertaker." She crossed her arms in front of her chest, raising a slow eyebrow at how angry he was. "You don't want to face Austin at one hundred percent, which makes you a less of a man than what you are. You are unstoppable so BE unstoppable! You don't have to bend everyone at your will and I'm DONE being bent 'Taker." Her eyes narrowed, the fire erupting in her eyes. "I've been bent, twisted and torqued my entire life. It stops now. Stop attacking Superstars and take your aggression out there!"
His hand flew out, halting just before connecting with her cheek. 'Taker looked shocked with himself, staring at her. Pulling back as if he had been scalded, he left July standing there, the door closing behind him.
"Mark?" Paul called hesitantly when he seen the look on the man's face.
"Get AWAY from me!"
Paul actually cowered.
July was standing there, shaking like a leaf, covering her mouth with her hand as the tears spilled down her cheeks. He was going to hit her. He was going to slap her for speaking her mind. July felt her knees give out as she crumbled to the floor, wrapping her arms around herself, suddenly feeling very cold. No, he wouldn't hit her, he wouldn't hurt her. July stood up and ran into the bathroom, trembling from head to toe, touching the cheek that he was a fraction of an inch from striking. If it hadn't been for Paul...July had to grip the sink as the tears flowed, knowing Christian was right.
He had almost hit her, July. His life, his angel, his love and he had almost STRUCK her. 'Taker had retreated to the roof of the building, the cold wind assaulting him though he barely felt it, crouching on the ledge and watched traffic roar by. His long black hair whipped about his face, hiding the wetness on it. Dear God what had he done?