Jack and Leah Moxley were silently eating breakfast, each ignoring the other, when their phones simultaneously chimed with a message. They glanced at each other then reached for their phones. Jack grunted, seeing they'd been sent the same text.

'Meet tonight at 11pm. 712 Waterfront Road. In the warehouse. Emergency plan to break Moxley.'

"Wonder what's up?" Jack muttered as he texted a reply.

Leah shrugged, putting her phone back on the dining room table after sending her own reply. She continued to ignore Jack as she resumed eating. But she didn't miss the satisfied smile on Jack's face.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Chief Malenko. Thank you for meeting with me." The new mayor of Davenport, Brodie Lee, smiled as he held out his hand.

"My pleasure, Mr. Mayor." Malenko shook the other man's hand.

Brodie indicated the chair across from his desk. "Would you like some coffee? Or something else?"

"No, thank you, sir," Malenko politely declined.

Brodie nodded. "I understand you and…late Mayor Heyman had a standing weekly meeting? Every Tuesday at this time?"

"That's correct, sir," Malenko nodded. "Mayor Heyman wanted to be kept up to date on current crime stats and open investigations in case he was asked about them by the media. I briefed him as much as possible without compromising the integrity of any open investigations."

Brodie nodded. "I'd like to continue these meetings. I've no wish to look like an ignorant fool and unable to answer questions." He leaned back in his chair. "Unfortunately, Mayor Heyman was rather…stingy in what he told the City Council so I find myself not well informed." He folded his hands on his desk and leaned forward. "To be honest, I'm not asking for a weekly update on crime stats unless there's something raising a red flag with you. I'm most concerned about violent crimes, especially murders." He glanced at a notepad in front of him. "As I said Mayor Heyman wasn't forthcoming at times. Is the Renee Young murder completely resolved?"

"As far as the police department is concerned, yes," Malenko answered. "A man named Jon Moxley was framed for her murder by Detective Jack Swagger and Mr. Zeb Colter. Colter had falsified his credentials, claiming to have a Doctorate in Forensic Science. Unfortunately, my predecessor didn't vet him thoroughly. After five years, evidence was found that Mr. Moxley was framed; and Ms. Young was murdered by a man named Bray Wyatt. Mr. Moxley was immediately released from prison and his record cleared."

Brodie grimly nodded. "Costing the City eight million dollars. In my opinion, a cheap price for five years of a man's life," he sighed. "All other cases where these two men were involved are being reinvestigated?"

"Yes, sir," Malenko nodded. "All evidence is being retested by the State crime labs. Acting DA Cole is handling those investigations. Mayor Heyman was starting the search for a new director of our crime lab."

Brodie nodded. "I'm meeting this afternoon with the search team Mayor Heyman formed. I'm curious as to why you aren't included on that team."

Malenko momentarily hesitated. "I was asked but declined. In my opinion, it could have been considered a conflict of interest since I was Chief of Police during part of the time Swagger and Colter worked on cases."

Brodie blinked a few times then slowly nodded. "I understand your position, Chief Malenko. Well done. So, what about Bray Wyatt? He was also murdered?"

Malenko nodded. "I'd like to discuss Swagger and Colter's murder first for Wyatt's murder to make sense." When Brodie nodded, he continued, "Swagger and Colter were poisoned by police pharmacist Io Shirai. Before she could be questioned, she was found dead in her home of an apparent suicide."

"It wasn't?" Brodie asked in surprise.

"The official Coroner's ruling is still Pending Investigation," Malenko firmly answered. "I can't discuss it beyond that."

Brodie frowned, but nodded.

"Investigation showed that Io Shirai had a relationship with Bray Wyatt," Malenko continued. "Wyatt was a type of cult leader and street preacher. How he and Shirai crossed paths is unknown at this point. However, we know Wyatt was present when Shirai died. Whoever killed Wyatt audio recorded his admission of that and left the evidence for us to find. Wyatt's murder is an ongoing investigation by Acting DA Cole as my department couldn't be involved. We proved logistical assistance when requested, but handled none of the evidence nor participated in the investigation. We are continuing to investigate Wyatt's murder; but so far, we haven't determined many suspects. All we know for sure is that after Wyatt's murder, his…followers appear to have left Davenport."

Brodie leaned back in his chair, silent for a few moments. "I commend you for your actions, Chief Malenko, and recognizing possible conflicts of interest." He glanced at the calendar on his computer screen. "Apparently, Mayor Heyman had a standing weekly meeting with Mr. Cole as well. I'll be seeing him tomorrow and get an update from him on that case and the retesting of evidence that Swagger and Colter handled." He sighed. "As well as possible future lawsuits because of Swagger and Colter's actions."

Malenko sat quietly as Brodie made notes on his notepad.

"What about the Mizanin murder?" Brodie finally asked.

Malenko inwardly sighed. "We haven't had any new leads or tips for several weeks," he admitted. "Mr. Mizanin wasn't well liked professionally. However, those who were the most vociferous in their dislike of him all have solid alibis. There's no probable cause to subpoena any financial records so officially they've not been ruled out. The same for the security company for the business. Although Mr. Mizanin's partner, John Morrison, could have a motive, there's no evidence of problems between them. They were equal partners in the business, and Morrison is successful in his own right. There was a Partner's Insurance policy for two million dollars that he signed over to Mr. Mizanin's widow."

"That's quite generous," Brodie chuckled.

Malenko shrugged. "Mr. Morrison said that Mr. Mizanin had not dissolved their partnership when he was going through a difficult time due to personal issues and was drinking too much. Mr. Mizanin carried the business while Mr. Morrison worked through that time. He felt it was the least he could do to make sure his partner's widow had some financial stability. I met with the organizers of the CrimeStoppers Hotline last week to put the case back into the public eye. Hopefully, it will generate more tips."

"What about the Dustin Rhodes' murder?" Brodie asked. "Are you getting pressured by his brother?"

"Not for the investigation of his brother's murder," Malenko answered. He saw the confusion on Brodie's face. "The original investigators into Mr. Rhodes' disappearance totally botched the job. They put his disappearance down to a middle-aged man just taking off. All I can say now, because of an investigation into their actions, is that they didn't perform the most basic of investigations."

Brodie sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I imagine we'll see a lawsuit from State Senator Rhodes," he sighed.

"The issue hasn't come up with me," Malenko commented as Brodie scribbled another note. "I will say he was angry with how his brother's case was handled."

"I saw your press conference regarding the circumstances of his murder," Brodie finally spoke. "Any further leads on this 'Rhyno' character?"

"None. He hasn't been seen in his home base of Detroit nor anywhere else that we've been able to find," Malenko answered. "I've requested the Detroit PD publicize the case in their local media and tip lines."

"I know it's early in the investigation, but do you have anything on the assassinations of Mayor Heyman and Ms. Evans?"

"We've been getting assistance from both the State Police and FBI. Not only technical and logistical assistance, but to double check everything we've done to avoid the appearance of any conflict," Malenko explained. "We know the caliber of bullets used and the likely weapons involved. A trajectory has been determined and buildings within that trajectory have been searched and background investigations are being performed on people who have access to those buildings. The FBI is doing the background investigation into both Mayor Heyman and Ms. Evans. That's all I can say at this point."

Brodie made a few more notes, then leaned back in his chair. "Thank you, Chief Malenko. I've a better understanding now in case I get questioned by the media." He stood and held out his hand again. "I also want to commend you again for the steps you've taken to ensure the integrity of these investigations."

"Thank you, sir." Malenko stood and shook the Mayor's hand.

"I'll see you next week," Brodie smiled.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Internal Affairs Capt. Baron Corbin glanced at the half-open door to Malenko's ante-chamber. He knew who was in that room. He didn't like it, but it was Malenko's call.

Malenko closed one of the folders and took a deep breath. He glanced at Corbin then nodded.

Corbin took a position standing in the corner as Malenko used the intercom to tell his assistant to send Detective James Noble into his office. When Noble quietly entered and shut the door behind him, Corbin silently admitted this was a broken man.

Noble stood quietly in front of Malenko's desk and straightened his shoulders. "Captain Corbin. Chief Malenko."

"Detective Noble, my department has completed our investigation into not only your handling of the Rhodes' investigation but also other missing person cases that you and Detective Friedman handled," Corbin began. "So far, we've found those other cases, which you supervised, to have been handled professionally and competently. The Rhodes' case, however, was not."

"Yes, sir," Noble quietly admitted. "I take full responsibility for the mishandling of that investigation."

"You'll take responsibility for not supervising it competently," Corbin corrected. He looked at Malenko.

"Detective, you have a good record of service with this department," Malenko stated. "Well over twenty years. And you've trained and supervised other officers who have also been a credit to this department." He folded his hands on his desk. "I understand the circumstances in your personal life that you were dealing with during the Rhodes' investigation. However, you made a poor judgement call in not taking a leave of absence during that time."

Noble nodded. "I agree. And I accept the consequences of that poor decision."

Malenko glanced at Corbin who subtly nodded. He then opened one of the folders on his desk and pushed it towards Noble. "Sign your resignation and retire, Detective."

"Sir?" Noble looked at Malenko then Corbin in open confusion. "I…I don't understand."

"Your failure was to not properly supervise an investigation," Malenko calmly replied. "You're done as an officer in this department."

"But…"

Whatever Noble was going to say was stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see both Brandi and Cody Rhodes standing next to him, Brandi's hand on his arm.

"Ma'am…Senator Rhodes…"

"I remember telling you that I couldn't forgive you for what happened during my brother's investigation," Cody quietly spoke. "Forgiveness has never been something that comes easy to me. But it did for my brother." He glanced at his wife and softly smiled. "And my wife has a generous forgiving heart."

"You didn't maliciously or deliberately mishandle Dustin's case." Brandi gently squeezed his arm. "You're not an incompetent officer either. You just made a mistake because of so much pressure from a personal issue. You're forgiven."

"Both of us forgive you," Cody added.

"I…I don't know that I deserve it…but I thank you both…from the bottom of my heart," Noble stuttered. He rubbed his eyes then stepped forward to sign both copies of his resignation.

Malenko handed him a copy then closed the folder.

Corbin stepped forward and motioned to Noble. "Come with me."

Noble stood at attention. "Chief Malenko, it's been an honor to serve under you, sir."

Malenko silently nodded.

Noble turned to Cody and Brandi. "Ma'am. Senator Rhodes."

Brandi patted his arm as Cody nodded. They silently watched as Corbin led Noble through the ante-chamber and the door leading to the corridor.

Corbin indicated the officer standing in the corridor. "Sgt. Gable will take you to HR to complete your separation process." He hesitated before turning around. "Good luck, Noble."

"Thank you, Captain," Noble quietly replied.

Chad Gable gently touched Noble's arm. "C'mon. It'll be okay."

"Sgt. Gable. Return as soon as you've escorted him to HR," Corbin ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Despite himself, Noble shuddered. He knew Friedman was next to go into Malenko's office.

Corbin returned to Malenko's office to hear Cody and Brandi saying good-bye to Malenko.

"I can't guarantee to hold my temper with Detective Friedman," Cody grimly explained. "Detective…Mr. Noble made a mistake. Friedman just didn't give a damn about my brother."

Malenko nodded. "I understand." He stood and shook Cody's hand. "In that case, it would be best if you leave through the ante-chamber. Friedman is in the outer office."

"You know, I wanted to file lawsuits against both of those men," Cody admitted with a small smile. "But my attorney pointed out that I'd couldn't sue Friedman without suing Noble. And I wasn't going to destroy that man. He's carrying enough guilt as it is."

"Thank you for all that you've done, Chief Malenko." Brandi smiled as she took her husband's arm. "At least we know what happened to Dustin and why."

They followed Corbin out of the office as Malenko sat back down with a sigh. When Corbin returned, he activated the intercom. "Please send Detective Friedman in."

Corbin took a position between the ante-chamber door and Malenko's desk as

Friedman strolled into the office with a smirk on his face. He stared to sit in a chair but stopped when Malenko barked.

"Close that door! And stand at attention!"

Friedman froze then turned around and shut the office door behind him. Then he stood in front of Malenko's desk, although not at attention.

"A thorough review has been made of the investigation by you and Detective James Noble into the murder of Dustin Rhodes," Corbin began.

"We had no evidence…" Friedman began. He flinched when Malenko's hands forcefully slapped down onto his desk.

"Do not interrupt!" Malenko seethed.

"Had the two of you performed an actual investigation, you would have found evidence of foul play," Corbin continued. "The Internal Affairs investigation has concluded dereliction of duty and incompetence on your part."

"What about Noble?" Friedman hotly demanded.

"None of your business," Corbin coldly replied.

Malenko slid a folder across the desk. "You're busted down to patrol and on a one year's supervisory probation. At the end of that one year, you'll be evaluated as to whether you'll remain on the force or not." He opened the folder and placed a pen next to it. "Sign."

"The hell I'll sign that bullshit!" Friedman exploded. "You're not going to screw with my career!"

"You refuse to sign?" Malenko calmly asked.

"That's what I said, old man! Are you deaf?" Friedman sneered.

Corbin coldly smiled as Malenko closed the folder and set it to one side. He then pushed another folder towards Friedman. "Here are your termination papers."

"WHAT?!"

"You're fired," Malenko replied.

Corbin walked to the office door and nodded. He stepped back to stand next to Friedman as two Internal Affairs officers entered the office.

"Former Detective Friedman, this is Sgt. Chad Gable and Sgt. Jason Jordan of Internal Affairs. They will escort you to HR for your termination process, then escort you out of the building." Corbin nodded to the two officers. "Relieve former Detective Friedman of his weapons and shield."

"I'll sue you, Malenko! And this department!" Friedman threatened as Gable and Jordan followed Corbin's orders.

Malenko shrugged.

"Let's go," Corbin ordered.

"You haven't heard the last of this!" Friedman shouted over his shoulder as he stopped in the doorway.

"Friedman, please…please resist," Corbin coldly spoke.

Friedman looked into Corbin's eyes and shut his mouth.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was late afternoon when Randy Orton's cell phone rang. He glanced at the display and frowned. "Now what does he want?" he muttered. Sighing, he answered the call. "What is it?"

"They fired me! That son-of-a-bitch Malenko fired me!"

Randy rubbed his forehead. "Friedman, calm down. Why were you fired?"

"That damn stupid Rhodes case!" Friedman snapped. "I heard Noble got to take retirement, but they fired me! That dumbass probably ratted me out. Something needs to be done about him!"

Randy rolled his eyes. "And something will be done," he lied. "But we need to make sure you have a solid alibi." He heard Hunter and Stephanie enter the suite. "Go home and start packing as though you're going on vacation. Make sure your condo security knows that. I'll call you back in 30 minutes." He disconnected the call and walked into the living area of the suite. "We have a small problem."

"What problem?" Hunter asked as Stephanie began pouring drinks for the two of them.

"Remember Friedman? Detective on the Davenport force?" Randy asked. "He's the one who handled the Dustin Rhodes investigation."

Hunter nodded in remembrance as he accepted the drink.

Stephanie held up the bottle to Randy in silent invitation.

Randy shook his head. "Apparently that anonymous tip triggered an Internal Investigation. Friedman was fired today. Probably because he shot off his mouth." He smirked. "He thinks his former partner ratted him out and wants 'something done about him'."

"Oh, good grief," Stephanie snorted as she sat on the couch.

"We need him out of here," Randy advised. "The sooner the better. He's a loose cannon who can't keep his mouth shut."

Hunter nodded. "I'll make a call."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That night Leah and Jack found Becky Lynch and Sheamus waiting for them in the warehouse by the river.

"Why the change in plan?" Jack asked with a smile.

"Seems there's problems with some of the other witnesses in the trial Moxley's involved with," Sheamus chuckled as he lied. "They're not 'co-operating' so we need to go with a more…aggressive plan."

"Is that a fact?" Jack smirked at Leah who looked from Becky to Sheamus.

"Yeah," Sheamus nodded. "With this plan, we only need one of ya."

Jack's laugh was abruptly cut off when both Becky and Sheamus pointed their guns at him. "What the hell?" He glared at Leah who calmly walked to stand next to Becky.

"You're expendable, fella," Sheamus laughed.

"Our son will be more likely to console his grieving mother than a father he hates," Leah pointed out.

"You double-crossing bitch!" Jack lunged towards Leah only to have Sheamus slam his gun against the side of his head, sending him falling to the floor.

"Considering you were planning on double-crossing me, I'd say Karma has come to bite you in the ass," Leah smiled.

As Jack tried to get to his feet, he heard Sheamus say, "He's all yours, boys. But save some for me."

Becky holstered her gun and walked Leah out of the warehouse and to the car. "You remember the route? And the story?" she asked.

Leah nodded as she opened the driver-side door of the car. "I went out looking for Jack. I drove around for a couple of hours then went back home."

Becky grinned and nodded. "The street security cameras will be able to back up that story. It'll be maybe a week or so before our next contact."

Leah nodded and got into the car. As she drove away, she saw Becky walking back into the warehouse and shrugged. Whatever they did to Jack wasn't even close to what he deserved. She'd hated that bastard for years.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Friedman settled into the first-class seat on the jet flying out of Chicago bound for New York City. He'd never flown at night but appreciated the darkened cabin that provided him with some privacy as he sipped a glass of champagne and stared at the receding lights of Chicago. He'd always hated the garbage dump that was Davenport and was looking forward to New York.

He would be working for the head of the New York branch of the Authority. A man named Ric Flair. He drained his glass and pushed the call button. When the flight attendant appeared, he held up his glass. "Another one. I'm celebrating tonight."

"Right away, sir." The flight attendant took his empty glass and retreated to the front of the plane.

Friedman grinned as he planned to prove just how vital and important Maxwell Jacob Friedman would be to that organization.