AJ Styles looked at his lover with eyes of disbelief. John Morrison stood in water up to his chest. His mind flew. He could easily scale the fence, but he had no clothes, would that matter? He was just about to make a run for it when four other police cars arrived at the hotel.
When the officers got out of their cars, two of them had huge, growling, barking German Shepherd, K-9 officers. JoMo knew then he had no chance. His shoulders fell. He had one hope, that they wouldn't find his hidden disguise. His one regret? Not leaving like he should have.
AJ protested. "You can't mean it? He didn't try to kill anyone!" He pulled JoMo into his arms and held him close. They were still in the pool.
Detective Sergeant Miller stood firm. "Come out of the pool. We have some serious talking to do. The longer you delay, the closer I come to adding obstruction of justice charges. Plus, I don't think you want everyone staying here to start getting curious. I believe you have a reputation to protect in the storm chasing community?" He was stone faced as he looked at the two men in the water.
AJ looked at JoMo. "I know you didn't do it. We'd better get out. Don't worry, I am with you. Please, pet, you could get in real trouble." He gave JoMo a pleading look.
Morrison's shoulders drooped even more, but there was nothing he could do. "Promise you won't leave me?" He looked at AJ like a lost, soaking wet puppy.
AJ gave JoMo a little kiss. "I promise. I'll go get your robe, wait." AJ walked to the steps of the pool and got out. He slipped on his own robe, then grabbed JoMo's.
"Let me give him his robe?" AJ looked at Sergeant Miller, with cold, hard eyes.
Sergeant Miller nodded. AJ met JoMo at the steps. He helped the lithe brunette into the flowing robe. When JoMo was ready, Miller firmly took hold of the suspects upper arm.
"I won't cuff you, but I will if you make any sudden or false moves." Miller turned back to his fellow officers. "Thanks, guys. One K-Nine and one patrol unit can go back. Who ever stays, watch Room Two-oh-three, at the back." He gave his fellow officers a wave. Miller then spoke to Officer Reynolds. "You go get the others and bring them in ten minutes." He gave Carrie a nod.
"Yes, sir. Will do." Officer Reynolds gave her Sergeant a nod and opened the pool gates. Three officers and a K-9 officer followed Detective Sergeant Miller in their police units.
When they arrived and Styles and Morrison's hotel room, Sergeant Miller allowed the couple to change into their clothes. The two men took fast showers. JoMo didn't care, he wasn't letting pool water remain on his body or hair.
As JoMo finished, Officer Reynolds arrived with the Jericho storm team. Dean hoped he wouldn't be too hot headed to be the comfort Seth would need. Officer Reynolds directed the storm chasers to sit at the round table and not say a word. She had warned them on the way to Styles' room, to not get carried way and to stay quiet until spoken to. The men agreed.
Sergeant Miller directed AJ to join the others. "Do not interfere." His tone serious his face grim.
JoMo sat on the bed and casually towel dried his hair. The less guilty he looked, the better. Inside, he was a hot mess. How in the hell was he going to get out of this?
Detective Miller looked at JoMo. "Where were you Friday, around three in the afternoon?" His eyes never left the brunette's.
Morrison continued to dry his hair. "I was in town, doing some shopping. Can I prove it? I don't know. The only place I was with a lot of people was the diner. I went there twice to use the restroom." He looked at Kyle Miller when he spoke of the diner. He switched from the towel to a hair brush. He began to brush his hair with long, casual strokes.
Sergeant Miller didn't fall for the sly seduction. Morrison didn't hold a candle to his beautiful spouse. He wouldn't risk his marriage for anything or anyone, especially a potential murderer.
"Rest assured, I will be going to the diner. Now, Mister Morrison, have you ever been to Delta Rentals? Rented any kind of vehicle?" Detective Miller kept firm voiced, grim faced and hard eyed.
JoMo ran the brush through his hair as he spoke. "No, why would I? I have two feet to walk on. There are cabs, buses and Uber." He could have bit his tongue. Why did he say Uber! JoMo hid his panic, with a brush of hair over his eyes.
At that moment, Sergeant Miller knew Morrison had used Uber, at least once. That was no problem to check. There were only four Uber drivers in Guymon, and of course, the Sargent knew them all. The Detective didn't let on to the fact that he'd caught on the word Uber.
The Detective Sergeant continued. "You said you went shopping. What did you buy?" Again, his tone and expression didn't change.
JoMo shrugged. He'd finished with his hair. "If you must know, I bought something for AJ to look at and enjoy. Know what I mean?" He gave the Detective a sly smirk and a saucy wink.
Sergeant Miller never flinched, he had better at home, without sex shop shopping. "Yes. I understand. May I see the receipt please?" He looked at JoMo, brow arched. The Detective pulled the proverbial noose a little tighter.
JoMo remained calm outside, but once again the panic inside was rose to a frightening level. "Um… I'll have to look. I usually don't worry about receipts. May I check my bag?" He had to at least make a show of cooperation.
"Certainly. Just put your bag up here on the bed. Make sure you look carefully." The Sergeant slid his eyes from JoMo to Officer Reynolds. Officer Reynolds nodded and moved to stand next to the accused as JoMo lifted his case to the bed and opened it.
JoMo knew the case would not give away its secrets hidden in the lining. He'd paid good money to make sure the contents remained secret. He'd smuggled many things back from modeling photo shoots all over the world.
As Officer Reynolds watched JoMo search through several shopping bags, she stared hard at the dimensions of the case. There seemed to be less space for packing clothes than the measurements looked. She couldn't be sure, but to her well trained eye, this was the suitcase of a professional smuggler. The bad thing, the warrant only applied to questioning Morrison, and they could only search the immediate person. That needed to be fixed.
JoMo pulled out a small bag from the local sex shop. "Well, this is what I bought..." He paused as he took the item out of the bag. It was a tiny piece of black silk with a "T" strap of crystals. It would barely cover his cock, but of course, that was the point.
Sergeant Miller couldn't help but wonder what his spouse would look like, but he quickly swiped that thought from his mind. "Find the receipt?" He arched his brow at Morrison.
JoMo shrugged. "No… I wish there was. So what now? Seems like I'm accused without proof. Some system of justice." He gave a good impression of a kicked puppy.
Sergeant Miller eyed Morrison. "Not to worry. I am sure Miss Mary has a copy of the receipt. We'll have to wait till Monday. Just a moment while I speak to my Aide, Officer Reynolds." He could feel her wish to speak to him in private. They stepped outside and a big, burly officer came in. He made sure the Jericho team and Styles didn't get into a war.
"I know that's a smuggler's bag. I just know it. Kyle, we've got to get in that bag." Officer Reynolds looked her boss with so much conviction, it showed in her entire being.
The Detective nodded. "Get on the horn to Ross. I don't care that it Saturday afternoon..." He paused. Shawn came out of the room and approached the two officers.
"i have to get my pack. I've got to change Seth's bandage, it's bloody, and it shouldn't be." Shawn sounded very concerned as he headed to the block of rooms used by the storm chasers.
Officer Reynolds used radio in the car of one of the units that had come to help. Detective Sergeant Miller approached the K-9 officer.
"I want you around back, Nate. Morrison is lithe enough to get through that bathroom window. He may try to run if Officer Reynolds comes through… correction if Judge Ross comes through." Miller gave the officer a wink.
"Will do, Sarge." The officer nodded. In silence, his fellow officer, a German Shepherd named Berta walked beside him.
Shawn returned just as Sargent Miller opened the door. Shawn started to take Seth to the bathroom of Styles' room. The Sargent stopped him. Shawn understood. Make Morrison see the damage he'd caused, unnerve him if possible.
The other members of the Jericho team watched as Shawn removed Seth's bloody bandage. "Seth, do you feel alright? Double vision? Feel faint?" Shawn's tone was serious as he worked.
Seth resisted the urge to shake his head. "No, I feel fine. Even better since getting some… oh wait. I remember now. I barely bumped my head on the side of the pool. Shawn, don't make me go to the hospital!" The youngest college student wailed in protest as he buried himself next to Roman and Dean.
Roman gently eased Seth up so Shawn could change his bandage. Shawn looked closely at the wound and stitches. "No, you're okay, but no more pool for a while. Seth, you took a major bump to the head. You already have a mild concussion. Bed for you. Sergeant?" Shawn gave the man an arched brow look.
Seth sighed as Shawn quickly and expertly cleaned the wound and put a fresh, clean bandage over it. "Dean, come with?" He gave Dean his best puppy eyes.
Sergeant Miller spoke. "Yes, you two can go. That's a nasty cut. You are very lucky." He spoke firmly and watched Morrison from the corner of his eye.
JoMo knew better than to react. Besides, he could care less about Rollins, Jericho was his target. He watched as Seth and Dean kissed the biggest one of the three. Morrison actually thought the darker man was quite handsome. He could get the man in his bed in a flash if he tried.
Roman grinned at Seth and Dean. "Mind Dean, baby. I'll be along as soon as I can." He hugged them both and watched them leave. As they went out, Officer Reynolds waved her boss back outside. He quickly went.
AJ looked at Chris. "Chris, I have no idea what is going on, but I am sorry you and the kid got hurt. I also know John had nothing to do with it." He spoke sincerely, maybe for the first time in a long time.
Chris heard and saw the honesty in AJ. "Look, just… be professional out there… and we can get along." He held Adam's hand as he spoke.
Outside, Officer Carrie Reynolds was upset. "… and he said he needed better proof that our, well my suspicions. He won't talk about until Monday. We're gonna have to keep Morrison under a tight watch." She frowned as she spoke. Ross had not been happy his Saturday afternoon had been disturbed, he had a house full of guests for a barbecue.
The two officers went back into Styles' hotel room. Sergeant Miller looked at Morrison. "Mister Morrison, I have to inform you that you are a suspect in the attempted murders of Doctor Christopher Jericho and Mister Seth Colby Rollins. You are not to leave this hotel room until you are either cleared or charged. Mister Styles, you may leave, but not the city limits of Guymon. While you are not a suspect, you haven't been totally cleared. I will return on Monday. You all, of course, are free to leave, but must return if requested." He spoke to AJ and JoMo then the Jericho team. The officers face changed from stern to pleasant as he spoke to each group.
AJ stood. "He didn't do it! I know he didn't! You will see, he will be cleared!" He moved to sit on the bed and swept JoMo into his arms, protectively.
JoMo had enough sense to act like he needed AJ's protection. Actually, it struck a chord in his heart. He even gave a real whimper as he nestled in AJ's arms.
Adam stood, along with Chris and the others. He looked over at JoMo. "JoMo, I really hope you will be cleared. I hate to think you would do that to Chris and I. Look, you didn't know the real Drew. Sure, he was great at first, but after a while, the fists came; hard. He would have turned on you too. I'm honestly glad you didn't know that side of Drew… but you would have, trust me. Good luck. I honestly mean that." He didn't smile, his tone was filled with hurtful memories.
JoMo said nothing, he knew if Drew had hit Adam, he had a good reason and the blond bitch probably deserved it. Drew would have never hit him, Drew loved him. JoMo knew that with his heart and soul.
Adam sighed. He could see his words had no affect. Well, he'd tried. He followed Chris out of the room, behind the Helmsley's and Roman.
Officer Reynolds also followed the storm chasers. Detective Sergeant Kyle Miller turned to look at John Morrison from the door. "Oh, and don't get any ideas. We will know if you leave this room. If you do, you will be held in protective custody. Understand me, Mister Morrison?"
AJ spoke. "Yes, he understands. What ever happened to innocent until proven guilty?" His tone was full of anger.
"That's why he's not in jail at this moment, Mister Styles." Detective Miller replied in a firm voice. He then turned back to JoMo.
"If you get it in your head to vanish, I will put Mister Styles in jail for aiding and abetting. Am I understood?" Once again Miller was stone faced and deadly serious.
AJ bristled. "He wouldn't do that to me. Don't worry, Sergeant. We will both still be here. You'll see. John is innocent!" He spoke with more bravado than he actually had.
JoMo continued to play the game. "No, babe, I wouldn't do that to you." He gave AJ a sex filled smile. However, in his mind, John knew he had to get out. While he did have some feelings for AJ, it wasn't enough to stick around and go to jail. Still, AJ had value, as protection; for now. What bothered him the most was that Chris Jericho was still alive.
AJ Styles glared at Sergeant Miller. "Satisfied?"
The Detective nodded. "For now. Just remember, we will know if you leave this room. We will be in touch on Monday. Have a good rest of the weekend, gentlemen." Sergeant Miller left the hotel room, with a sharp "click" of the door.
The Detective went to the Jericho's hotel room. Officer Reynolds opened the door for her boss. "How is Mister Rollins?" Miller asked with concern.
Roman answered the law enforcement officer. "Fine, sir. The bleeding has stopped. Dean is keeping him company. Shawn wants Seth to rest. Sir, do you think we should stand guard over our vehicles? There is over a couple of million dollars worth of equipment between them." He was worried, especially about the ROW. The radar could be so easily damaged, with not much effort.
"No need. I'll put a K-nine unit on it. There is another K-nine unit and a plainclothes team watching Styles' room. Just remember, you are free to continue you work, after Miss Jolene clears Adam on Monday. I foresee no issues there what so ever. I must say, and this is off the record, Mister Morrison is extremely clever and that makes him extremely dangerous. That said, please don't fret. We are on him like glue. Shall we say nine o'clock Monday morning? The you can go about your business. Call if you need anything. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend." The Detectuvet shook hands with the five storm chasers, as did Officer Reynolds. They left with a silent close of the Jericho's hotel room door.
Adam flopped down onto the king sized bed. "I just… this is unbelievable. John seemed alright with me at the memorial for Drew. Why would he… Chris, I am scared. Please tell me there will be storms to chase… soon." Adam wanted to get his mind back on work.
Chris sat on the bed next to his husband. "It will be alright, Kitten. There is no way he will be able to hurt us again. Yes, there will be weather to chase. But… maybe we should call the season. We already have plenty of data for the lab." He wasn't sure what to do.
"If we quit now, he wins. It would also mean Styles could continue; without… well, I just don't think we should quit. Seth wouldn't want to quit." Roman spoke, hesitantly at first, then more firmly. He'd been taught to never give up, on anything.
Shawn nodded. "I agree. We can't let this stop us. Not two weeks into the season, with the most unique weather we have ever seen. We already have more probe data than we have gathered in nearly six years. Chris, you don't really want to quit, do you? Of course, we will, however, support what ever you decide. Just decide for the right reasons."
Hunter entered the conversation with his opinion. "I also agree with both Roman and Shawn. Morrison is as good as in jail. We have too much to lose if we quit now. Plus… I am not sure how the University would react… if we quit now, there may not be a next season…." He kept it short and to the point.
Chris sighed. "I'll tell you what worries me. You saw it, even if he is innocent, or if he goes to jail, what's to stop Styles from trying to take revenge? The jilted lover type thing? We are split up and isolated out there. Hunter can't be everywhere with his weapon. I want to get some kind of alarm system. We have burglar alarms, but nothing in the field to protect the ROW. I'm all for the pepper gun. We also need to see how Dean and Seth feel. We all agree or if not, the chase ends now." He was firm as well. Chris wasn't afraid for himself, but he never wanted to see Adam so distressed again. Also, he did have the safety of the students to consider.
Roman quietly got up. If Seth was awake, he and Dean needed to be there. Their voices had to be heard, after all they were members of the team.
The parking lot of America's Best Value Inn was covered by two K-9 Officers and four undercover Officers. Mr. and Mrs. Cimarelli had been in total support of Detective Sergeant Miller's plan. It had been decided that no civilians would ever know exactly how many law enforcement members were at the hotel at any one time. One K-9 Officer stood guard at the bathroom window of Styles' hotel room. Being that it was another corner room, meant there was a chance Morrison could try to escape through the window.
The other K-9 Officer patrolled around the Jericho Storm Chase vehicles. The undercover officers watched the front of Style's room and watched over the entire hotel. One of the officers had a vested interest, he was the youngest son of the Cimarelli's.
Miller had sternly warned all the watching officers, that John Morrison was lithe and could possibly get in and out of places like a rat.
JoMo did the one thing he knew how to do best. He became AJ's plaything. AJ never had a clue that his little pet's mind was a million miles away. JoMo had to figure out a way to escape. He'd failed Drew once, he wasn't about to let it happen twice. One thing; John Morrison was a very patient person, very patient.
In the Jericho's hotel room, a decision had been made, mostly due to Seth.
"…so, we will be perfectly safe and it won't be affected by the wind. If we do have to pull out, we can always come back later and pick up the hidden sensors." Seth finished his explanation of a security alarm Hunter could easily build.
Adam spoke first. "Seth, you are a wonder. Hunter too, to be able to build it. I say we stay out. Chris and Seth will be safe. So, shopping trip?" He looked at the rest of the room.
Chris stood. "We will be democratic. All in favor of continuing as if nothing happened, raise your hand." Seven hands shot up into the air as fast as lightening. Everyone chuckled.
"Then, we continue. After Hunter builds the alarms. Yes, for shopping trip. Roman, Hunter get the alarm supplies. Shawn and Dean on groceries. Adam needs to rest his ankle and Seth and I need to start forecasting. The company springs for pizza tonight, I need my fix." Chris issued his instructions with a smile. He was glad to be back on track. Adam was happy so Chris was happy.
"Oh, double pepperoni and onion for me, please!" Dean asked as he kissed Seth.
Seth laughed. "I know, D. You do love your pizza. Be careful and be good for Shawn. Oh, I need a bottle of shampoo, and blond dye please." He returned Dean's kiss and gave his lover some cash.
Shawn laid a hand on Seth's shoulder. "You can buy the dye, but please, don't use it. You'll need to wait till the stitches come out. The dye can cause serious damage if it gets into a wound."
"Listen to him, baby. Not worth the risk, you be good. Love you, Seth." Roman kissed Seth, then Dean, as Hunter kissed Shawn.
Shawn spoke from the door. "If you think of anything else, let me know, phone's on."
"Ice cream! Please! For dessert tonight. Oh and a jar of hot fudge sauce too please." Adm called out just before Shawn closed the door. With a laugh and an "OK" sign with his fingers, Shawn left with Dean in tow.
It wasn't long before Seth, Chris and Adam were lost in their laptops.
After speaking to the K-9 Officer, Hunter and Roman left in the Rover as Shawn and Dean left in the flame red Scout truck.
"I hope they get enough evidence to put that bastard in jail." Dean growled as he and Shawn pulled into the Costco parking lot and parked. The Jericho Storm team had a great discount card through the University.
Shawn put a hand on Dean's shoulder. "I'm sure they will. Dean, I know how you feel, but, if we run into Styles, keep your temper. He won't be so apt to just forget it if you punch him again. Seth and Chris are fine. I'm really proud of the progress you've made. I also know, that years of hurt and anger aren't just going to vanish. The best thing for you to remember is, think of Roman and Seth. You wouldn't want them to have to visit you in jail. But, even more importantly, you are a Doctoral graduate student, you have an example to set. And you have Jericho, Inc. to think about. Listen, any time you feel your anger building, let Hunter know. He will take you to a gym and let you punch the hell out of a punching bag or he will spar with you in a boxing ring. It can just be you two, no one else would even have to know, not even me. Okay?" He smiled at Dean and playfully ruffled the unruly mop of auburn hair.
Dean smiled at Shawn. "Okay, and Shawn, thanks. I appreciate it, I really do. You know, I wish… you could have been my dad..." Dean's words faded, but the look of peace on his face said it all.
"I wish so too, Dean. We've raised foster children. We are both here for you anytime. That includes when we get back home to Norman. Our love and care for you, Roman and Seth won't end with the chase season. You three are part of the family now; forever. Now, we'd better get to shopping. Adam wants ice cream." Shawn laughed and got out of the truck. Dean followed and gave his own laugh.
Meanwhile, at the small shopping center, Hunter and Roman looked for the supplies they would need at a hobby shop.
"You know… would there be a way to convert one of those invisible fence dog collars into what we need?" Roman asked as Hunter looked at alarm sensors. There were a lot to chose from.
Hunter let out a "hum" sound. "Maybe, but it would be hard to work out. We can pick up a couple and experiment. Seth's idea is good enough for now. Oh, we will have to find a hardware store for the re-barb" He picked out four simple, but very loud alarm sensors.
"So that's two on one end of ROW and two on the other? Maybe we'd better get four more, to be extra safe. One could go right next to the steps." Roman spoke thoughtfully. The sensors weren't that expensive.
"That, I agree with. I want to more GoPro's on ROW, on the roof of the cab and on the rear of the roof. Just pointed at the road. Seth can monitor them on a separate I-pad." Hunter spoke in a firm voice.
Roman nodded in agreement. "I agree, Hunter. But, Chris will kill us. Two more GoPro cameras and an I-Pad? The cost?" He loved the idea, but Chris has said no more major purchases.
Hunter chuckled. "Don't worry, son. I will pay for them. Shawn and I have a very healthy savings. This is for group safety, and that is priceless. Chris may bitch, but Adam will see the sense. However, I will ask Shawn first. Here, you pay for this while I go call." He gave Roman a wink and cash from the company petty cash fund.
A few hours later, in the Jericho's hotel room, seven men chowed down on pizza.
"Hunter, are you and Shawn sure? You can take them back, we haven't opened them yet." Chris nodded to the boxes of GoPro's and the I-Pad Hunter had purchased with Shawn's vehement approval.
Adam reached over and tore open one of the GoPro boxes. "Oops. Sorry, my Lion. I didn't hear you fast enough. How many times do they have to tell you it's okay? Look, normally I would agree with you, but this is about group safety. And for the sake of our work. Now I will be able to keep my mind on the job, instead of wondering if you and Seth are safe. I am quite sure Dean and Roman feel the same. So, Christopher, say, thank you, mom and dad for helping to keep us safe." He took a huge bite of pizza and gave Chris a nudge with his elbow.
Chris rolled his eyes over dramatically. "Alright, alright. Thank you, mom and dad. No, seriously, thank you." He gave Shawn and Hunter a brilliant, handsome smile.
Shawn chuckled. "You are welcome, Chris. It is a small amount of money to invest in our safety. However, the next one of you that calls me mom is gonna learn how hard I can kick you in the shin." He too took a bite of pizza.
"Who said it was you he called mom?" Dean chirruped in with a sly wink to Shawn.
Hunter's mouth fell open. "Hey! I'm not the one with long… oh… wait… hey! I am not the mom!" He tugged on his long blond pony tail.
The entire room erupted in laughter. It was a welcome respite, like rain in the desert.
In AJ Styles' room, JoMo sat on the bed, tears fell from his doe brown eyes. He wanted AJ to feel even more sorry for him. The more he could get AJ on his side, the better.
"Oh AJ, what I am I gonna do? I didn't do anything… the sales receipt won't help me. I was in the sex shop yesterday, but I really bought that thong the other day. I was just looking yesterday. I shouldn't have gotten it so mixed up. That cop had me so flustered. I'm fucked, AJ." JoMo sobbed even harder. He hid his face in his hands. He slyly poked the nails of his pinkie fingers into his eyes again to increase the tears.
AJ moved to sit next to JoMo. He pulled the smaller man into his arms. "Don't worry, my little pet. I will talk to the Sargent, explain how upset you were and are. I won't let anything happen to you. The Jerkicho's won't get to you either, I promise, pet." AJ cradled JoMo and rocked him gently. He placed soft kissed on JoMo's temple.
JoMo sniffed deeply. "You'll… help me? You won't… abandon me?" He curled deeply against AJ.
AJ Styles kissed JoMo's damp cheek. "Of course I will help you. I've gotten rather attached to you. You're even learning how to navigate. It gets lonely out there. Bringing you along was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know you are innocent, but who his this Drew person, Jeribitch talked about? Maybe if you told me more about you, I'd be able to help you even more." He pulled his little pet in even closer.
JoMo's mind churned again. He knew this was a chance to turn AJ against Jericho's group even more, especially Adam. JoMo had another hidden talent, he could lie like a blanket.
"Well see, Drew dated Adam and loved him. Drew was also a photographer at WWE Publications. He was even better at photography than Adam. When Adam saw how good Drew was, he started getting in Drew's way at work. Instead of helping Drew, like a good boyfriend would, Adam began to sabotage Drew. Adam claimed he accidentally walked in on Drew in the darkroom. The light ruined the best pictures Drew had ever taken, they were gone, forever. That broke Drew's heart. He went to club to get drunk. Long story short, he met me. He didn't mention that he had a boyfriend at first, but then, he felt guilty. I told him the way Adam treated him was horrible and wasn't love. It might seem harsh, but, I fixed it so Adam would walk in while Drew and I were fucking. Later, Drew thanked me for getting him out of the mistake relationship with Adam. I have to be honest with you AJ. I loved Drew and he loved me… until… Jericho killed him..." JoMo began to sob again, only this time, his tears were real.
AJ held on to JoMo. "Always knew Adam was a second rate photographer. I feel bad for that kid with him, no wonder he hit me. Adam probably made him mad. Can you tell me how Drew died? Why was he out chasing storms?" He was falling harder for his broken little pet. AJ also understood now, why JoMo wanted to prank Adam so badly.
Between sniffs and sobs, JoMo told his own version of Drew's death. Of course, in his telling, it was all Chris' fault.
"… So there was nothing Drew could do. He was caught in the seat belt. Jericho just ran and hid in the ditch, while poor Drew was sucked up into the tornado. When the car dropped, it blew up… oh AJ… there was hardly enough of Drew left to send back to Scotland to be buried. At least McMahon put a memorial in a Tampa cemetery. Those two had the nerve to show up for Drew's memorial service. I guess I should be grateful, Adam let me keep Drew's necklace..." JoMo fingered the Celtic cross he always wore. He had been truly grateful when Adam gave it to him.
AJ sighed. "I knew Jericho was an uneducated jerk, but to just leave Drew to be… I'm sorry, pet. You've been through enough. You leave it to me. I am smarter than Jericho ever thought of being. You stick with me, pet and you will soon be as free as a bird. I'll even help you prank those jerks, they deserve it."
Morrison smiled at AJ. "Thanks, lover. Yeah, we will prank them… into oblivion." He knew all it would take now was a few more tears and mind blowing sex and AJ would be his robot. JoMo began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sunday was spent preparing for the next storm chase. Chris and Seth were busy forecasting. Adam and Dean went over their cameras and gear with fine toothed combs. Hunter and Roman put together a security alarm system and set up the new GoPro's and I-Pad. Shawn checked all their food, drinks and snacks, then his medical supplies. Later, he cleaned and doubled checked Hunter's weapon.
In Styles' hotel room, AJ and JoMo had a lot of unbridled sex. AJ also did a little weather forecasting. He knew the matter with JoMo would be cleared and they would soon be off on their next chase. AJ was ever contemplating keeping JoMo in his life; forever.
At nine o'clock on the morning of May 15th, Adam stood in the office of Delta Rentals. Detective Sergeant Kyle Miller and Officer Carrie Reynolds were with the blond.
"Miss Jolene, is this the man that rented old blue on Friday?" The Sargent asked, brow raised.
Jolene chuckled. "Not even close. Well, let me rephrase that. He is close, but, not that close. If the man on Friday was trying to look like you, he missed a few key things. First you are a good three inches taller and your clothes fit like a glove. I must say though, he had your style, and slight limp down perfectly. Seems to me, he must have been watching you for a long time." She spoke like she was the Detective and not the Sergeant.
Shawn spoke up, the entire team had followed Adam into the office. "Adam, she is right. He even knew you'd twisted your ankle a few days ago. Maybe I should have said something, but I've had a feeling we were being watched. I thought it was just stress..." He gave a shrug. He should have spoken up sooner.
Adam smiled at Shawn. "Don't worry about it. I probably wouldn't have said anything either. Is Morrison that bent on revenge? It was Drew's own fault that he died, as harsh as that sounds, it's true. Morrison said he understood..." Adam paused and turned back to Miss Jolene.
Adam extended his hand to the older woman with a charming smile. "Thank you, for clearing me. You are a wise, kind and observant lady." He gently but firmly shook her hand.
Jolene smiled at Adam. "What a polite young man you are. Anyone could see you could never hurt someone. I also want to thank all of you. The work you are doing with storms is so important. May God keep your safe as you chase those horrible twisters." She came around her counter and shook hands with all seven members of the Jericho storm team.
Outside, Kyle Miller spoke. "You are all free to leave. I will call as soon as I know what is going on. You let us do the worrying. You are probably safe, but stay alert. Feel free to call us as well, you have all our numbers. Good luck, stay safe and I will be in touch soon. Where are you headed? If we need to, we can relay through local police departments.
Shawn pulled out the notebook he used for hotel information. "The Palace Inn. It's in Independence, Kansas. Chris thinks we may be there two or three days, but that can change. I will make it my job to keep you posted. I'll email if nothing else. Thank you for everything." He shook Miller's hand.
Chris was anxious to get on the road. "Mount up. We've got a six hour drive ahead of us." He climbed into the ROW with Seth.
The team were off on their next chase. What was to come… only the fates knew for sure.