Stephanie frowned, remembering that her friend had asked for the

night off about a month ago. Picking up the cell phone, she said, "Hey, Lil,"

only to have the little blonde's panic filled voice fill her ears.

"Oh my God, Steph, are you okay?"

"Lilian, I'm fine," Steph said.

"All I saw was the rapping white boy come out to save you and

then they cut out. Are you okay? What happened?"

"Lilian, I'm fine. John and the Taker are here with me,"

Stephanie repeated. "I'm really lucky that John saved me though."

"Oh, Steph. Your father is such an asshole."

"Tell me about it. I'm going to get him back, though, one way or

another."

"What do you mean by that, Steph?" Lilian asked with a frown.

"It means that I am going to stake my father by the balls and

hang him," Stephanie replied. She barely noticed the look that John and

Undertaker exchanged, once mostly of surprise.

"Steph, you're so graphic," Lilian said dryly.

"Hey, it keeps things interesting," Stephanie answered with a

small smile.

"Well, how are we going to get them back?" Lilian asked.

"We?" Stephanie asked.

"Did you think I was going to leave you to fight this battle by

yourself? Steph, you're my best friend. I'm with you on this one."

"Lilian, I don't want you to get hurt. This is my battle, and my

battle alone."

"Like hell it is." Stephanie jumped when Undertaker spoke. She

had almost forgotten that he and John were still in the room.

"Look, Taker, I appreciate your concern, but-"

"No buts, Stephanie. I attempted to save you and John did. We're

marked men, and we're in this battle now whether you or we like it."

"And I'm sorry for that," Stephanie whispered.

"It's not your fault," John pointed out.

"Don't forget, Steph, you have me," Lilian added over the phone.

"And I'm not going to back down."

"You guys are too much," Stephanie sniffled.

"We may be too much, but we need a game plan," John said gently,

handing Stephanie a tissue.

"I think I might have one, Lilian said. "Let me talk to

Undertaker."