Title: Haunting Me
Rating: M.. raised for some precaution and content in later chapters.
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.. Where it concerns a pairing for Lita, I'm going to try and just keep her out of one but well, knowing me, I'll probably fail at that attempt.
Not so much downtime in this chapter.. I'd say more, but you'll find out eventually. Oh yes.. and if my Spanish translations are crap.. blame Google.

-x-x-x-

Chapter 29

April 17, 2004

While it took them a good half hour to find a place to eat, they eight soon found themselves seated at a round table. Dawn, took it upon herself to assign seats.. Eddie to her left while Nidia was to her right. Rey was seated on the other side of Nidia, with Dave beside him.. Lita finding herself situated between Randy and John. Given that they were all hungry when they left the hotel...the wrestlers and Diva's took a few minutes to scan the menus.. Eddie, Rey and Lita picking appetizers while the others continued to peruse the menu. Eddie also used that moment to ask if they gave a free dinner or a discount for anyone who was celebrating a birthday... and true to his previous prediction, three of the eight meals were free that night. Of course, the plan nearly got ruined when Lita was asked for an ID to verify she was old enough to order a margarita. But, the redhead managed to talk her way out of the whole ID issue.. playing it up as flattery...and promising their waiter that he would receive a considerably larger tip. But, the three 'birthday' people didn't get away completely free.. Lita, John and Randy releasing sighs of disdain when they had gaudy sombreros thrusted on their respective heads. And to their further embarrasment -- and the amusement of Dave, Eddie and Rey -- the entire wait staff decided to serenade them. No sooner had the song ended, the three 'birthday' people thinking they were off the hook.. Eddie and Rey decided it was time for a round of Feliz Cumpleaños. Granted, the three did get free flan.. and the table on a whole got a free cake. Lita split her piece of flan with Eddie and Rey.. But only after she had told them she was going to put it on their heads. Still.. most of the meal was peaceful, save for a few awkward moments. Eddie finally telling her that whenever she bent over just slightly, anyone in the vicinity got a clear view down the front of her dress. Lita, in turn, asked the two nearest her why they hadn't said anything.. John and Randy shrugging in response. That had nearly resulted in violence.. but Dawn defused the situation before it could get out of hand... Calmly informing the redhead to save it until they were outside.

Lita sent a questioning look to Eddie. "How far away is this place?"

"Not too far, mamacita.." Latino Heat shruged, "we'll probably hear Copacabana before we see it."

Dawn sent a look back, "Everything alright, Li?"

The redhead nodded quickly, "Yeah.. Everything's fine Dawn.. Just curious as to when we'll get there. These high heels are uncomfortable."

The brunette Diva smirked, "Well you should get used to them.. You're going to be wearing something similar to those for the dance lessons."

John and Randy exchanged a look, the shorter of the two asking: "An' just' how many of these damn lessons are you draggin' us to? Don't forget here, Dawn.. Soem of us have a title to defend, plus these little things called autograph signings."

"I'm well aware of that," Dawn replied casually. "As for how many? I can't really say. One beginners session should be enough though.."

Lita snorted in disbelief, "Yeah.. one session of how many individual lessons, huh? I really don't want to have my free time consumed by meaningless dance lessons."

The Woodbridge native rolled her eyes, smiling in apology to Eddie before she dropped back to join the three. "Not all of your free time will be consumed by meaningless dance lessons.. Some of it will be for cooking lessons and other stuff."

"Such as?" Randy prompted then, "I need to know these things, Dawn.. Aside from defending my title belt, there's also Evolution."

"When I hear back from this place, I'll let you all know." Dawn pushed a few loose tendrils of hair behind her ear. "I'm also going to see if I can get a copy of the upcoming appearance schedule from Stephanie.. Make sure there are no conflicts and stuff."

Randy nodded ahead to Dave, "We have to be places with Evolution.. H has already mentioned appearing at a few events here and there."

"I'd like to know how all of this is going to be possible when none of us live in the same area." Lita raised an eyebrow in question, "and don't even think of suggesting that we all move in with you."

Dawn held up a hand in her defense, "I wasn't going to suggest that, Li.. But you do bring up a good point. Working around appearance schedules is one thing, but location.." She pursed her lips in thoguht, "you could rent one of the apartments in my building.."

The redhead instantly scoffed, "The three of us in one apartment? You've been spending way too much time around Rob, my dear.. No way in hell is that going to happen."

The brunette shrugged, gesturing between Lita and John. "Then you two should at least start traveling together or at the very least, the two of you can travel with me and Eddie. That'll help things a little bit, but--"

"With us on Smackdown an' with Randy on RAW.." John shook his head, "the house show schedules are different.. we tape in different cities."

"I know," Dawn stated matter of factly. "Which is another reason why I'm asking Stephanie for a copy of the schedule.. That way I can figure out how much time we really have to work on this."

"Or you could just forget about this crazy idea all together," Lita suggested with a hopeful smile.. scowling when Dawn shook her head. "Let me ask you something Dawn.. How much thought have you really put into this?"

The brunette bit her lower lip, "Not too much, but enough that I have a basic idea.."

"A basic idea," Lita echoed incredulously. "Just how much of a basic idea? This isn't ECW, Dawn.. we don't have that much free time to spare."

"Unless you're on injury," Dave pointed out from his spot near the front. "Which wouldn't work in your cases, because you four are healthy. The only other way this could logically work is if the house shows get cancelled."

Lita rolled her eyes, "Which is highly unlikely, because it means the company loses profit."

A look that was both thoughtful and scheming sparked in Dawn's eyes. "Unless they had an alternative."

"Like what?" John eyed her suspicously. "The WWE already has Tough Enough Dawn.. I doubt they're gonna go for another t.v. show."

"You never know.." Dawn replied with a casual shrug. "The possibility is always there."

Lita shot her an accusing look. "You know something, don't you.."

Dawn's reply was a smile.. that same scheming look in her eyes. That alone was enough for Lita too feel more than a little uncomfortable. It was bad enough having the outside problems to deal with.. But now the potential of some stupid idea from the creative -- or uncreative -- heads at WWE? It was apparent that Dawn knew something.. How she knew was another matter, but she at least knew something. The problem was that she wasn't saying anything about it. And it wasn't just Lita who was in the dark about this.. Dawn was choosing to keep this information to herself and to herself alone. She wouldn't say a word to Eddie or Nidia about it.. Lita trying her hardest to get at least one hint from the Woodbridge native. But whatever it was that was in the works, would apparently help Dawn's plan. That much, at least, was obvious.. But how would it help her plan? Was it just effecting the Smackdown half or would it apply to both rosters? Somehow that didn't make much sense since.. Smackdown already had Tough Enough. But, Dawn refused to answer any question regarding this new idea, leaving everyone else more then a little wary.

-x-x-x-

By the time they reached Copacabana, Dawn still refused to say a word about whatever it was that she knew. The brunette at least let Randy, Lita and John know about the other plan.. Informing the three that the reason she needed the two extra people -- in the form of John and Lita -- was because the lessons were being offered for couples who were getting married. The lessons also applied to people in the wedding party.. But that still didn't mean that John, Lita and Randy were willing to go through with the lessons. Rather, their collective apphrension about the whole plan seemingly tripled.. The redhead fully convincing herself that the New Jersey native had lost her mind. It was one thing that they were going through with the stupid lessons.. but completely another with the pretense that Dawn was using. For one, the four weren't exactly tight. Granted, Lita was close friends with Dawn, while John and Randy were also close friends. But where it concerned the friendship between the four? It was pretty much non existent. Much to the redhead's dismay, Dawn refused to hear any arguments about why the plan wouldn't work.. Instead gesturing pointedly to the dance floor. Lita scowled in turn, shrugging out of the jacket she was sporting before taking a good look around.

"The dance floor is packed, I almost tripeed twice just walking in these stupid heels." Lita sighed, a few loose strands of hair pushed back. "Maybe I should've stayed in."

"Chica," Rey shook his head from nearby. "We're here.. You look great.. Let's just have some fun." The cruiserweight held out a hand to Nidia, the two soon swept up in the throng of bodies.

Eddie sent the redhead a look, "Mamacita.. Just like Rey-Rey said.. We're here.. You three look damn sexy. And besides.. the dancing can do us all some good.. work off the calories from dinner."

Dawn smiled sweetly, glancing between Randy, Lita and John. "I'm not going to tell you three to have a good time.. I'm really not expecting for the three of you to have a good time. But, we're here.. Suck it up and deal with it."

Lita rolled her eyes in response, the redhead soon parking herself at one of the few empty tables surrounding the perimeter of the dance floor.

"Ya know," John began as he plopped into one of the other seats at the table. "There's another room 'round here somewhere.. I can hear it."

"So?" Lita made an open gesture with her hands. "If you want to go there, then go there. Dawn's too busy to notice anyway."

"I'm just sayin'," he rolled his shoulders. "Randy an' Dave are already over there an' I'm 'bout to head over there myself."

Lita flicked a glance to the dance floor, her mind made up within seconds. "Then I'm coming with you.. If you and Randy are purposely avoiding this part, so am I."

At that, he nodded, pushing back from the table when she did; both taking one last look at the dance floor to make sure Dawn wasn't watching before they exited to the other floor.

Randy smirked as the two entered the other room, "I was wondering how long it was going to take."

Lita snorted softly, "Yeah well.. We had to make sure Eagle Eye Dawn wasn't paying attention."

"Whatever," the third generation wrestler replied with a shrug. "I think Dave's out there somewhere and we managed to grab one of the few free tables over there." He gestured to the table in question, "I was just heading to the bar so.."

John grinned, "Then ya can get me a beer while you're over there.. An' don' even try an' tell me you can't afford it, pretty boy."

Randy rolled his eyes good naturedly, "Whatever man.." blue eyes shifted shortly to the redhead. "You want anything?"

Lita shrugged, "I can't say I'm really in the mood to drink, but a shot of tequila will be fine."

"You actually like tequila?"

The redhead nodded absently, she and the West Newbury native migrating slowly to the table. "After living in Mexico.. yeah, I acquired a taste for it."

He nodded in reply, the two falling silent until they reached the table. "So.. Whadya think of Dawn's plan?"

Lita shook her head, "To be honest.. I think it has a snowballs chance in hell of working. I don't doubt Dawn's abilities to organize something but this is just.. It's something that just spells recipe for disaster."

"But you're still gonna go through wit it anyway.."

"Why not? I mean, it's to help out a friend." Lita shrugged slightly, "it's an odd way of helping out a friend, but Stacy's worth it."

John was just opening his mouth to reply to that when he frowned suddenly. "Shit.. Our asses are 'bout to be busted." He nodded towards the entrance. "Dawn's lookin'.."

Lita barely had the opportunity to look in the indicated direction, a soft sigh escpaing when Dawn made her way over. "Damn it.."

Dawn Marie raised an eyebrow, "I can understand why Dave would be over here.. But you two and Randy really should be in the other room."

"But my tequila," Lita protested weakly. "Can't I at least have my shot of tequila first?"

Dawn pursed her lips, but nodded none the less. "I'm sticking around because the minute you're done with that shot, you three are coming back with me."

Lita and John sulked, Dawn seating herself while they waited for Randy to return with their drinks. And while the three did try to take their sweet time consuming their respective beverages.. Dawn soon put an end to it. On the way back to the salsa dance room, the three tried to talk their way out of dancing.. But, Dawn remained firm on the issue, pointedly reminding them that it would come in handy for the eventual dance lessons. And while they could understand the reasoning behind it, that didn't mean they had to enjoy it. Regardless of their reluctance, the three soon found themselves facing the crowded dance floor.. Dawn informing the self proclaimed Legend Killer that Nidia would be assisting him for the time being. Lita and John soon found themselves following the lead of Nidia and Randy; Eddie and Dawn not far off. After some time had passed, Dave also joined the others.. Opting to dance with his sister over one of the residents of the City. That switch lead to Randy now dancing with Dawn; Lita and John wisely using that moment to take a breather.

-x-x-x-

During this brief time away from the dance floor, Lita excused herself to go to the bathroom.. Nidia and Dawn following suit to be on the safe side. Of course, the idea hadn't occured that the three of them going might not be the best thing. It would essentially isolate the three.. But it wouldn't be for that long since they were only going to use the bathroom. The three soon learned that.. Simple things like going to the bathroom could become a lot more complicated then they were prepared to deal with. Their problem started when they got one look at the seemingly never ending line.. One of the frequent club goers informing the three that another club down the street had less of a line. And while they didn't want to leave the club without letting one of the guys know.. Using the facilities was taking priority. Subsequently, the soon found themselves walking down the street to use the bathroom at the other club. The walk there had been trouble free.. Though Lita swore that their was someone following behind them. She wrote it off to paranoia, reminding herself that they were on a sidewalk and of course there would be people walking behind them. They were just two blocks away from the Copacabana when their path was cut off. Two men, both clad in black, stood before them.. another two were swiftly approaching from behind and the same car from that morning was positioned at a side street nearby.

"Well, well, well.." one of the men in front of them smiled menancingly. "You know, it's really not safe to be walking around by yourselves."

Lita glanced around quickly, wondering how in the hell the sidewalk had become less crowded in a matter of seconds. "What the fuck do you want?"

The man tsk'd. "Such language.."

Dawn scoffed from her place to Lita's right. "We might be Diva's on television, but that doesn't mean we have to act like proper ladies twenty four hours a day."

The man ignored the brunette, his attention shifting slowly between Nidia and Lita. "You thought you could escape earlier.."

"And obviously we were wrong, asshole." Lits narrowed her eyes, "so I'll ask again.. What the fuck do you want?"

He nodded shortly to the car, "You two.. in the car. Now."

Lita smiled thinly, "My mother told me to never accept a ride from a stranger."

He shook his head, making a quick motion to the two men behind the three; Lita soon finding one of her arms yanked sharply behind her back. "Get in the car."

The redhead was forced to walk backwards, Nidia finding herself in a similar position.

Dawn looked on helplessly, before her eyes narrowed in anger. "You son of a bitch."

He merely smiled, a gloved hand touching his covered forehead before he started to walk to the car. "Go ahead.. Call for help and see if you can find us."

Seething inwardly, Dawn Marie debated for a moment before she dashed back inside. She kenw she wouldn't be much help on her own.. But, with the added assistance of Dave, Eddie, Rey, John and Randy..

Dave raised an eyebrow, "Why are you alone?"

Dawn frowned heavily, "Some assholes just took Lita and 'Dia." Quickly, she grabbed Lita's jacket. "They had a car with them and when I was leaving--"

"You can explain outside," Rey cut her off, the Luchador grabbing the brunette's wrist as an afterthought. "Come on, if we go now they might not have gotten very far." He tugged on her wrist, the two leading the way with Dave, Eddie, John and Randy not far behind.

True to Rey's prediciton, they hadn't gone very far.. They had only driven a few blocks up, but the car was now parked in a dark alley, Lita and Nidia finding themselves surrounded.

Nidia shivered, more out of fear then from having no jacket. "Espero que nos encuentren pronto." (I hope they find us soon.)

The redhead nodded her agreement, one hand clutching Nidia's. "Soy seguro que.. Entre ellos todos, no serán felices." She managed a small smile, "Odiaría estar en sus zapatos cuando consiguen aquí." (I'm sure they will. Between them all, they won't be happy. I'd hate to be in their shoes when they get here.)

Nidia mustered a smile at that, but refrained from replying as one of the men brought out a gun.

Cocking the hammer, he held the weapon as if it were a piece of candy. "It would be so easy to just finish the two of you off."

Forcing herself to remain calm, Lita raised an eyebrow. "Then what's stopping you? There's no one in sight."

The gunman shrugged, keeping his reply simple. "Because it would be too easy.. And besides, the fun is just beginning."

Lita swallowed down the bundle of nerves in her throat, taking a step back only to bump into another body. Gloved hands clamped down on her shoulders, the redhead arching involuntairly when she felt the tell tale signs of a knife at her back.

The gunman turned his attention to Nidia. "Tonight, we finish what we started in the locker room."

The younger Diva gasped, two of the men behind her grabbing her wrists. The two Diva's were soon shoved back into the center of the group, the gunman commanding them undress before they did it for them. And when the two hesitated, the gunman growled threateningly, soon barking orders to the men surrounding the Diva pair. Lita and Nidia were forced to their knees, wrists soon bound together with tape. The men were just preparing to tape their mouths shut when Lita and Nidia screamed at the tops of their lungs.. Hoping and praying that the noise would reach the right ears. Nidia was slapped harshly across the face for her efforts, the gunman kicking her three times over in the ribs for good measure. The knife that had been at Lita's spine previously trailed a sharp path down her bare right arm before he slashed her cheek; the Diva's bound hands stepped on none to kindly for good measure. Those actions resulted in more screaming from the Diva's, the sound of approaching footsteps heard soon enough. Before Nidia could blink, Dave was in the midst of the ring of men, large fists flying at the nearest body to him. John, Eddie and Randy were soon assisting him; Rey and Dawn darting in quickly to grab Lita and Nidia. The four remained in the alley until the men in black fled the scene, blood visibly staining the knuckles of Eddie, John and Dave. Nidia winced when she tried to stand, her ribs throbbing from the sharp kicks that had been placed. Soon enough though, Dave scooped up the petite Diva in his arms; John toting the redhead while Dawn and Rey hailed passing taxis. What had started out as a night for partying, ended up with a trip to the hospital.