Title: Haunting Me
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Anything that is recognizable, does not belong to me. I'm debating if I'll use all wrestling people or toss in some OC's.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: All worked out for plot purposes.
More downtime here, the next chapter and possibly the next.. but of course with a few plot seeds sprinkled in for fun..or information. Oh yes.. and if my Spanish translations are crap.. blame Google.

-x-x-x-

Chapter 27

April 17, 2004

While they waited for the waitress to arrive, Lita decided to read over the letter in full. Of course, that resulted in her slouching into the corner of the booth.. A hand flying up to fend off Dawn's reaching hand mid-way through the reading. It was only after the redhead promised her friend that she'd talk to her about the letter that Dawn backed off. And while Lita was pre-occupied with reading the letter; Dawn, Nidia, Rey and Eddie discussed the plans for that night. Dave, Randy and John, on the other hand, opted to discuss the options on the menus before them.. Dave pointing out that this place didn't offer the healthiest fare. Their conversation soon shifted to how their respective title reigns were going.. Even though Dave and Randy both knew their reigns were coming to an end. Or so they thought, anyway. As it stood right now, Randy was slated to stay on RAW while Dave would be traded over to Smackdown. In some sense, Dave would be a bodyguard of sorts for the redhead.. and he would also be put into the hunt for the tag team titles on Smackdown. But, Lita couldn't really discuss that with Dave without Randy finding out. And it wasn't that she didn't trust the third generation wrestler completely.. Just that she felt that the odds of Randy telling Hunter were higher than Dave. Her reasoning for that was simple.. Dave had Nidia to look after -- and Nidia was also slated to move back to Smackdown -- which meant, or so Lita hoped, that he would be less likely to say anything about the current situation to Hunter. That was why the redhead wanted to give Dave some advanced warnings.. but, she wasn't sure how she was going to do it.

Lita directed her attention first to Randy, "¿Tu entiende español?" (Do you understand Spanish?)

"What?"

"Never mind," Hazel eyes settled on the man sitting in the other corner of the booth. "¿Tu entiende español?" (Do you understand Spanish?)

Dave raised an eyebrow at that, "Entiendo bastantes para pasarme." (I understand enough to get me by.)

"Eso entonces es bastante bueno." Lita took a moment to re-fold the letter. "Hay algo en esta letra que las preocupaciones tu." (That's good enough then. There's something in this letter that concerns you.)

His forehead etched in clear confusion. "¿Y apenas cuál es ése?" (And just what is that?)

Her head inclined slightly, "Está sobre el comercio y la extensión." She nodded discreetly to Nidia, "También la están negociando y tu es el único que va de la evolución."(It's about the trade and the expansion. She's also being traded and you're the only going from Evolution.)

Dave, Nidia, Rey and Eddie blinked in unison.. But, since Dave was the only one directly involved in the conversation.. He replied. "Pero pensé que fue supuesto para ser dos de nosotros. ¿Qué cambió?" (But, I thought it was just supposed to be two of us. What changed?)

Lita shrugged, "El director general de la noche de jueves tiene al parecer más energía que pensamos.." (Apparently the Thursday night general manager has more power than we thought."

He nodded slowly, "¿Qué tan este medio? O ella no entró el detalle.." (So, what does this mean? Or did she not go into detail..)

"No demasiado, sino yo le dirá lo que sé." Lita sucked in a sharp breath, "Mañana por la noche, va a ser una sorpresa que secuestra." (No too much, but I'll tell you what I know. Tomorrow night, there's going to be a surprise kidnapping.)

"¿Demostración Grande?" He guessed, and at Lita's nod things started to click. (Big Show?)

"Noche de lunes, tu pierde las correas del título. Tu hará un aspecto el jueves que instale un fósforo." She rested her hands on the table, "Este martes, le suponen venir con mí." (On Monday night, you'll lose the title belts. You'll make an appearance on Thursday, which will set up a match. This Tuesday, you're supposed to come with me)

Dave raised an eyebrow, "¿Así pues, qué sucede después?" (So, what happens next?)

Lita shrugged, "Soy conjeturando nosotros descubriré el martes." (I'm guessing we'll find out on Tuesday.)

"Gracias por la advertencia entonces." Dave smirked, "Él no será muy feliz cuando él descubre sobre esto." (Thanks for the warning then. He won't be very happy when he finds out about this.)

Lita rolled her eyes, "Probablemente no, sino no hay realmente nada que él puede hacer sobre él." Shrugging slightly she added: "Todo se fija ya en piedra. Su palabra es final, porque ella tiene aprobación de su padre." (Probably not, but there's really nothin he can do about it. Everything is already set in stone. Her word is final, because she has approval from her father.)

Dave chuckled at that, "Debe ser agradable." (Must be nice.)

Lita nodded her agreement, her expression waxing momentairly serious. "Apenas no diga cualquier cosa." (Just don't tell anyone.)

"No diremos una palabra." Eddie spoke up before Dave had the chance, "Y ahora veo porqué ella envió una letra." (We won't say a word. And now I see why she sent a letter.)

All occupants at the table soon found themselves placing their orders.. The previous conversation forgotten about for the time being. And once their orders had been placed; Dawn, Nidia, Rey and Eddie let the other four know about the plans for that night. Since there would be a live band playing at Copacabana in the Hells Kitchen area.. The club hopping idea had been re-arranged. While Dawn still wanted to hit at least one other club, most of the night would be spent at Copacabana. Of course, that information meant that they would be at a club centering around salsa, meringue and mambo. Before that, however, Dawn planned on hitting the nearby Sound Factory or possibly a club near the hotel. That in turn launched a new string of complaints from Lita.. With Dawn and Nidia promising that it would be fun. And it wasn't that the redhead had a problem with Copacabana, just that she wasn't looking forward to the prospect of going out at all.

-x-x-x-

After they had finished breakfast, the group convened on the sidewalk. The letter from Stephanie was now tucked away in Lita's backpack.. Eddie filling the brunette in on the conversation from before. A quick look around lead to them discovering that they were near Rockefeller Center. From there, they figured to cab it to Central Park.. Nidia deciding that she wanted to see the Met with Lita. That idea was met with some hesitation by the others.. But, the two Diva's argued they wouldn't be completely alone.. Lita further pointing out that they hadn't run into any problems thus far. And while Nidia and Lita were visiting the Met, the others decided to stick with the original plan of going to Central Park.. That way, if anything did happen, they'd be relatively close to the Diva pair. Before they let the two go, however, Dawn, Rey and Dave made them promise to keep their cell phones on at all times. The redhead tried to unsuccesfully argue that they probably wouldn't be able to use their cell phones.. But Dawn was equally persistent, if not more so, in her defense. But, it was either they leave their cell phones on or they would have someone else going with them. Eventually, however, Lita and Nidia were on their way to the Met with the others heading to nearby Central Park.

Lita shook her head as she removed a twenty from her wallet. "You'd think they were parents parting with their children on the first day of school."

Nidia giggled, "I can understand why they would be worried though.." The brunette handed over her twenty for the recommended fee. "Even though it is getting a bit old."

"And annoying," Lita hefted her backpack up, "so.. Where do you want to go first?"

"How about we start with the first floor and work our way up." Nidia slipped her hands in the front pockets of her jeans. "I haven't been here so.."

Lita smirked, "I haven't either.. But, we have the precious time off so we might as well take advantage of it and play tourist."

Nidia nodded her agreement, the two walking in silence for a moment. "So.. Do you have any idea why Stephanie is trading me and Dave?"

"I don't have a clue, actually." Lita rolled her shoulders, "the only thing I can think of where you're concerned.. Is that Stephanie's trying to start more of a women's division."

"Maybe," the brunette conceded with a shrug. "But why just Dave?"

Lita frowned, "I think that might be happening so Stephanie can give Hunter the idea that he still has some power.. But, again, I'm not sure. She does want you there on Tuesday though, so hopefully we'll all find out something."

"You know, I don't appreciate people talking about me.." A voice began from behind the two. "So, since I'm here.."

Nidia turned around, an annoyed look shot at her brother. "Do you have to do that?"

The big man shrugged, "No.. but, you two were so caught up in your conversation that you didn't even notice I was behind you."

Lita raised an eyebrow, "Where's everyone else?"

"Central Park Zoo.." Dave rolled his shoulders as the three made their way upstairs. "I didn't feel like going and I figured you two couldn't have gotten very far."

The redhead nodded slowly, "So no one named Dawn suggested you come with us, right?"

"No.. but, someone named Rey and someone named Eddie suggested I come with you." Dave rolled his eyes, "Dawn insisted I come with you."

Nidia shook her head, "So instead of those three coming, they sent you.."

"It was either me, Randy or John.." Dave smirked, "I volunteered first. I haven't spent that much time around Dawn Marie, but what little time I have.. She--"

"Believe us, we know.." Lita interrupted with a smirk of her own. "I can't say I blame you for not wanting to stay with them." She waited a beat before asking: "How long were following us anyway?"

"From the steps," Dave raised an eyebrow, "which given what's happened recently.. You two should really be more aware of your surroundings."

"All three of you should be more aware of your surroundings," a new voice spoke up from nearby. "And for the life of me, I can't figure out why you think he's going to be of some use."

The three stopped in their tracks, Nidia and Lita shoved behind Dave as he turned.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are," Evolution's enforcer cracked his knuckles. "But, if you think that you can intimdate me.. You're wrong." He glanced between his sister and the redhead, hissing quietly. "Salga de aquí ahora y encuentre el otros." (Get out of here now and find the others.)

The man in black smirked as the two fled the scene. "You can't keep them safe all the time."

Dave smiled darkly in response, the two in a stand off for the time being while Nidia and Lita high tailed it out of the museum. And while they managed to get out of the museum unscathed, they didn't escape without some problems. Just as they were heading down the stairs and preparing to cross the street.. They took notice of a black car lacking the necessary lisence plates. Coincedentally, it was the same vehicle that had trailed the two to Indianappolis. This time around, however, the vehicle just happened to be parked at the curb.. the driver sending a hard stare in their direction. It took a moment, but, Lita soon came up with an idea.. not the brightest idea .. but it was an idea none the less. As calmly and quickly as possible, she told the younger Diva to call the others and make a run for it. And when Nidia questioned why, Lita gave no response.. The redhead figuring that since she was the one they were targeting...she should be the one to deal with this situation now. And while Nidia wonder if Lita was sane.. She complied with her request.. hoping that the others weren't very far. With one last look to the redhead, she whipped out her cellphone, pressing the last called button to get a hold of Dawn.

-x-x-x-

Fortunately for Nidia, the driver didn't move when she ran towards Central Park. Unfortunately, that meant that he was still there with the redhead in clear sight. Looking back on her split second decision...Lita realized how stupid it was. She didn't know where the others were, meaning she wouldn't know how long it would take for Nidia to reach them. Added to that, she didn't know what was going on inside of the museum. But, her next decision would depend on what the driver of the vehicle was going to do. Persuming he stayed in the vehicle...she could either run back inside the museum or make a run for it herself in hopes that she'd find the others. And if he moved from the car...well it wasn't like there weren't a lot of people around. Before she had a chance to decide, however, another person did it for her. Lita yelped in surprise as a hand grabbed her wrist, the redhead moving against her will thanks to one Dave Batista. Not far behind the big man, was the man from the museum...a hand held to his cheek as he followed after the two.

"Keep moving and ask questions later." He told her, glancing over his shoulder to see the man from the museum get into the car. "Wait a minute.. Where's my sister?"

"I told her to find Dawn, Rey, Eddie, Randy and John." Lita managed between breaths, "how did you--"

"It was in self defense," he cut her off, the two forced to stop at a crosswalk. "He didn't do anything to me, but I acted out of instinct."

The redhead looked back, "They're following us...and I'm starting to lose circulation in my arm."

Dave released the death grip on her wrist, wishing the light would change already. "I can't say I'm surprised."

"So where are we going?" Lita questioned once the light had changed, "we can't outrun a car, ya know."

"I know.." He nodded to the grass they were heading to. "We're going in there to find everyone else and go back to the hotel."

"I'll call Eddie," Lita reached back to grab her cell phone. "See if 'Dia caught up with them."

Dave frowned, "You two should've stuck together.. It's not safe for either one of you to--"

"I know that but.. If these creeps were after me from the get go, then.. I'm not about to put 'Dia or anyone else in more danger." An eyebrow raised as she opened her phone, "that includes you."

Dave smirked, "I have a feeling I can take care of myself.. And take care of them better than you.. Besides which, 'Dia already asked if I'd play surrogate big brother."

Lita rolled her eyes, "Which I don't need.." she started to dial Eddie's number, but soon shut the phone when they entered the park. "I see 'Dia up ahead."

He squinted to get a better look, "And I can see Randy not far behind her."

The two slowed their pace a bit, catching up eventually with Nidia, sighs of relief expelled from the two Diva's.

Nidia glanced between her brother and the redhead. "Are you two alright?"

"I'm fine.." Lita raked a hand through her hair, "I think we lost the creeps when we got to the park."

"Nothing happened with the other guy.." Dave smiled slightly, "but I did give him something to remember me by."

Dawn had her hands on her hips as she approached the three, "First...are you three okay? And secondly.. Lita .. what in the hell were you thinking! Staying there while you sent Nidia over here with those jerks right there.. What if something had happened to you?"

"Mamacita.. take a deep breath and calm down." Eddie soon appeared by Dawn's side. "As you can see.. they're fine." He waited a beat, "and as for Lita? She's just loco en la cabeza." (Crazy in the head.)

Rey pushed between the two, heading straight to Nidia. "Are you okay?"

She smiled fully, "I'm fine Rey-Rey... Lita told me to make a run for it before anything could happen."

The luchador nodded, "Good... But Li-Li? What were you thinking?"

The redhead rolled her eyes, "I'm fine...as you all can see...so stop questioning my actions. I wanted to make sure 'Dia was safe."

"Yeah.. At what risk, huh? I mean, granted.. your may have had good intent.. But woman? You're insane."

Lita raised an eyebrow at the speaker, "Since when do you care?"

John shrugged, "Well.. if somethin' had happened to ya, I woulda been stuck in that crazy ass plan by myself."

To that, Lita and Dawn shook their heads; Dawn asking if they wanted to see the zoo or head back to the hotel. And as much as she didn't want to stay at Central Park...Lita didn't want to go to the hotel either. As such, the group found themselves heading for the Central Park Zoo...Lita and Nidia visibly shaken by the recent event. Up until that moment, her time in New York City hadn't been that bad. Aside from the shopping trip yesterday, Lita had been enjoying herself...not that should admit that part to anyone.. But, she had enjoyed the trip to the toy store.. And Stephanie's letter had been like a weight being lifted from her shoulders. Now, as they ventured through the zoo, Lita could only hope that their wouldn't be any repeat incidents that night. But they didn't know how long they were being followed...nor did they know why the jerks chose that exact moment to appear. Of course, Lita wasn't about to find out...so instead, she just walked through the zoo and tried her best to forget. It was from that day on.. Dawn insisted that both Nidia and Lita have someone with them at all times...unless they were using the bathroom of course, but that they needed to have someone with them just in case something happened. And much to the brunette's surprise...neither Diva protested the idea.