Haunting Me

Rating: M.. for some harsh language, violence and content in later chapters.
Disclaimer:I don't own, I borrow. Any OC's that appear, are of course, mere figments of my imagination.
Summary: When one of the RAW Diva's is attacked, it brings the unlikeliest group of people together.
Pairings: Lillian/Chris Benoit, Ivory/HBK, Nidia/Rey, Victoria/Chris Jericho, Dawn/Eddie, Lita/Unsure, Stacy/Unsure
Notes: See previous chapters for my notes and rambling.

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Chapter 32

April 18, 2004

Since they had to wait for Stephanie to get there, and possibly for Jeff to arrive; the group at the hotel decided to hold off on visiting the police. Of course, they knew that they couldn't avoid a trip down there.. But, maybe having Stephanie with them would help. Randy was the only one not sticking around, the young wrestler knowing that he had to be at Backlash.. Both because of the match and because he really didn't know how much more he could take. And it wasn't that he wasn't worried about Nidia and Lita, he wasn't that heartless.. Just, he didn't know what he could do. It was obvious that Rey and Dave were there for Nidia and that Lita had temporairly attached herself to John. As far as Eddie and Dawn were concerned, the third generation wrestler figured they were like the go betweens. And when he put it in that sense, that really left him with nowhere else. He wasn't as close to Nidia and Lita like Eddie, Rey and Dawn...and no one was closer to Nidia than Dave. Normally, John would be in a similar position as himself, but.. with Jeff not around, the West Newbury native was the redhead's current source of comfort. Not that the self proclaimed Legend Killer really understood the relationship between Lita and Jeff, but he figured that they were pretty damn close. Whatever the case, Dave requested that Randy inform Hunter that he wouldn't be returning until RAW.. Possibly longer depending on how Nidia was doing. Naturally, Randy knew that Hunter wouldn't take that news very well, but he could also understand Dave's reasoning. Added to that, Dave was the only member of Evolution not scheduled to wrestle at the pay-per-view. And while she wasn't an official member of Evolution, Lita just wasn't in any type of condition to wrestle. Even if she didn't have that cast, her emotional state was just too fragile. Not that she was going to be in Evolution anyway, but Randy didn't know that. Before he left, Randy let them all know that he was taking a cab to the airport so they could use the rental car.. the St. Louis resident also letting them know that he would extend the room reservations if they needed it. Dawn thanked him for the offer, but also said it wouldn't be necessary since Stephanie would be showing up. The brunette Diva was currently in John and Lita's hotel room; Rey, Eddie and Nidia sleeping across the hall while Dave kept watch.

Dawn turned her attention away from the still sleeping pair. "Do you want one of us to call or something? Maybe Stephanie so she can explain why Dave isn't there?"

Randy shook his head, "only if you have the time. If not, I'll just make up some excuse to H.. Or I'll just tell him that Dave had a family emergency. Hunter doesn't need to know everything."

The brunette nodded, "I'm sure Stephanie will have Lita's injury explained anyway.. She was at Smackdown.. The whole run-in with Show.."

"Yeah.." Randy shifted back slightly, "when those two wake up...or whenver is the best time. I don't think we'll need the plan anymore."

Dawn raised an eyebrow, "are you sure?"

The third generation wrestler nodded, "neither of them wanted to be involved anyway and well.. Just with everything that's happened. It would only be a distraction, you know?"

"I suppose.. a distraction wouldn't hurt, but I understand what you're saying." Dawn sent him a tiny smile, "good luck with your match, Randy."

"Thanks.. I know I'll need it." Randy rolled his shoulders, trying to regain his usual cocky exterior. "I'll see you around, Dawn."

Dawn offered a wave, the brunette nearly jumping out of her skin when her cell phone started ringing. "Hello?"

"It's me," Stephanie spoke from the other end, "I just got to the airport.. What hotel are you guys staying at?"

Dawn flicked a glance over the menu on the nightstand, "we're at the Westin New York in Times Square.." the brunette paused, "Randy made the reservations, otherwise we'd probably be somewhere else."

Stephanie couldn't help but roll her eyes at that, "I can't say I'm surprised.. Show's getting a rental car and if I'm not mistaken, I think I see Jeff Hardy.."

Dawn nodded at the ceiling, "I can meet you in the lobby.. I think everyone else is sleeping right now, so I really--"

"I understand.." Stephanie paused to shoulder her bag, "have you all been to the police station yet?"

"No.." the Woodbridge native bit her lower lip, "we were going to wait until Lita and Nidia were more up to it.. Or at least Lita, anyway, because it's hurting Nidia to just talk."

Stephanie tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder, "hold on a sec.." the Smackdown GM waved her arms, "Jeff! Hey! Jeff Hardy!"

Dawn shook her head, "at least Jeff's here.."

"Dawn?" Stephanie spoke in a quieter voice this time, "we'll be there as soon as we can.. hopefully traffic won't be too bad.. Did Lita get my letter?"

"Yeah, she read over it already." Dawn swept her hair from her face, "can you do me a favor?"

"Of course," Stephanie handed over her bag to Jeff, "what do you need?"

Dawn paused for a moment, "if you could have everything explained to Triple H.. About why Dave isn't there.. I'd explain more but.. it's just, Randy is supposed to explain and--"

Stephanie nodded easily, "and knowing Hunter he'll give him a hard time about it.. Don't worry, I'll take care of that too."

"Okay.. I'll be waiting in the lobby then.. Thanks Steph." Dawn closed her cell phone, an eyebrow raising at the figure standing in the doorway that connected two of the hotel rooms. "I'm not sure how much you heard, but, Stephanie's on her way.. She'll make something up so Hunter isn't asking too many questions."

Dave nodded abruptly, "H doesn't know about Nidia.. Randy does, John knows, I told Lita amd obviously.. You, Rey and Eddie also know."

The brunette Diva nodded absently, "is Nidia awake?"

The D.C. native shook his head, "she was still sleeping, last I checked.. Eddie was watching television and I think Rey was just watching 'Dia."

"Mmm.." Dawn shifted her attention briefly to John and Lita. "They've been asleep since I left the first time around.." She pursed her lips lightly, "can you stay here for a bit? Stephanie will be here any minute and I told her I'd meet her in the lobby."

Dave nodded shortly, stepping fully inside the hotel room. "I'll mention that to Eddie or Rey.."

Dawn shook her head as she moved from the bed, "it'll only take me a second.. and besides, I want to check on 'Dia."

While Dawn made her exit, Dave settled in one of the plush chairs; the remote soon in hand. And no sooner had he turned on the television, did one of the two on the bed start stirring.

"When did you get 'ere?"

Dave shifted his attention over to the U.S. Champion, "Stephanie is on her way... Dawn went to the lobby to meet her."

"Oh," the West Newbury native yawned, "an' I take it Randy left already?"

"Yeah.. he looked really lost, ya know?" Dave sat back in the chair, the television turned off soon after. "I don't know if he'll be able to concentrate on his match."

"Can't say I'd be able to.." blue eyes fell on the still sleeping Diva. "With all the shit that's been happenin' as of late."

An eyebrow raised slightly, "how is she doing?"

John shruggged awkwardly, "she's been sleepin'.. I can't tell ya how she's doin' 'cos I ain't asked her.. Had nightmares, said she saw 'em everytime she closed her eyes."

Dave frowned at that, "'Dia was saying the same.. I should've ripped one of those masks off.. Then we would've gotten a look at those bastards."

The U.S. Champion nodded, "yeah well.. We did what we could, ya know? At least we found 'em.."

The big man's eyes darkened. "When we find them.. I will rip them apart."

At that, John could only nod, the fingers on one hand absently playing with Lita's hair. And although Dave did wonder if John even knew he was doing that, he didn't bother to question it. It was plain to see that the U.S. Champion was just as bothered about the events from last night.. Though, Dave didn't exactly know why. Perhaps, it was just because he had been there.. witnessed what had happened. The D.C. Native also knew, that despite his rough exterior, John Cena was not made out of stone. Not that he'd call him a pansy or anything like that, but if last night's events hadn't effected the Dr. of Thuganomics.. Whatever the case where that was concerned, Dave re-focused his thoughts to RAW. Thanks to the letter that Stephanie had sent to Lita; he knew that he was going to be switched over to Smackdown at some point. That also meant that tomorrow night, he would have to drop the tag belts.. or that Ric would have to find another partner. And while he really didn't mind switching shows, he really didn't want to leave Nidia alone. Granted, he knew that Eddie, Rey, Dawn, John, Lita and probably Stephanie would be around.. But that didn't mean that he wanted to leave her. Certainly, he trusted them to keep her safe, but that really wasn't the point. He also wondered where they would be going, since Nidia and Lita were slated to be off RAW tomorrow night. Dave knew that his sister really wasn't in any condition to travel long distances and where Lita was concerned.. Well she hadn't really said much and he couldn't very well ask her now, since she was still sleeping.

-x-x-x-

Dawn, Stephanie, Jeff and Show arrived back to the hotel room to see Lita asleep, while Dave and John were watching television. And since Lita was one of the two people that Stephanie really wanted to talk to at that moment, they went across the hall to check on Eddie, Rey and Nidia. But, with her ribs still hurting everytime she tried to talk, Stephanie ended up getting a full report on Nidia's condition from Eddie and Rey. The Smackdown G.M. then reasoned that, Nidia's injury would be explained with Show's 'kidnapping' of Lita. That lead to Eddie, Rey, Nidia, Stephanie, Dawn, Jeff and Show heading across the hallway; the expanded group arranging themselves around the hotel room. Nidia was settled on the other bed, while Rey sat on the edge with Dawn in between the two beds. Stephanie seated herself in one of the chairs, Jeff standing near the redhead while Show leaned against the window sill. Of course, Jeff did want to know why the redhead was using John Cena as a pillow, but he figured that question could wait until more important matters were discussed. A good fifteen minutes had passed before the redhead finally started stirring... complaining of pain in her wrist and hand. And while Jeff got her a glass of water, Dawn opened the bottle of asprin on the nightstand; John helping the Sanford resident into a half sitting position. Sleepy hazel eyes landed first on Dawn, then John.. widening considerably when she saw the Cameron native holding out the glass of water. But, since there was an arm wrapped around her waist, the redhead offered Jeff the best smile she could muster before she re-settled.

Stephanie cleared her throat, her attention focusing mostly on Lita. "Li? I'll understand if you don't want to talk about what happened but.. I just--"

Dawn raised an eyebrow, "you already know what happened.."

"It's okay.." Lita stated quietly, hazel eyes soon growing distant. "Last night, we all went out... I had to use the bathroom and the line was too long.. Someone said that there was another place down the street so we left...and.."

"It's alright Lita," John smoothed her hair back from her forehead. "They ain't 'ere, remember?"

The redhead nodded shakily, her good hand reaching for something to hold on to...the nearest object being John's hand. "Everything was okay... but.. When we were going back.."

"That's when it happened," Dawn finished meekly. "Li, honey, I can tell Stephanie the rest.."

Clutching the hand in hers a little bit tighter, Lita shook her head. "Yesterday morning... 'Dia and I had gone to the museum.. and.. we were followed... we got away but.." The redhead cringed, tears starting to leak from her eyes, "they...they found us again."

John frowned, his free hand wiping away the tears that were trailing down her cheeks. "I really don' think this is a good idea.."

Stephanie nodded quickly, "I was going to say the same.. Li, sweetie, why don't we talk about the letter I sent.."

Nodding hesitantly, Lita tried to point to her backpack. "I left it in there.."

Stephanie shook her head when Dawn made a move to get it. "Everyone in here can know, Dawn.. no worries." The Smackdown G.M. tucked a few strands of loose hair behind her ears, "as I mentioned to Lita in that letter, she won't be a part of Evolution.. not on RAW and it will never happen on my show. I'll explain that later, but.. Where it concerns tonight, we'll say that Lita got her injuries from what happened on Smackdown.. To explain why she's missing.. Show over here was supposed to 'kidnapp' her.. We'll just say that Nidia was in the area when it happened."

Dave raised an eyebrow at the brunette, "so why am I being sent over?"

Stephanie shrugged, "to piss off Hunter.. I know he wants Lita in Evolution, but we don't always get what we want, do we? He might have that slime Bischoff in his pocket, but he doesn't rule the WWE."

Dawn nodded slowly, "so that at least explains why they won't be there for the pay-per-view and RAW.. But what about when they're ready?"

"We'll have someone 'rescue' Lita and Nidia from Show.. or two.." She paused, glancing speficially between John and Rey. "When Nidia is ready to travel again, she'll valet for Rey. Dave, I'm going to have you on your own for a bit.. Creative is still working on something for you.. But, I think I'll have you tagging with either Eddie or Rey."

Show nodded to the silent Diva, "what about Red? With that cast, is it really safe for her to be at ringside?"

"Unless she plans on getting in the ring and interferring, it should be fine." Stephanie pursed her lips in thought, "I was going to have her manage Rob or 'Taker but.." Her gaze shifted between John and the Big Show. "If you two wouldn't mind feuding again.. I'm doubting she'll be able to even appear for another week at least.. That would give creative some time to come up with something.." An eyebrow raised slightly, "Jeff.. what's your status with TNA?"

"I'm startin' in June." The Cameron native crossed his arms loosely over his chest. "Watcha thinkin'?"

"If I could convince dad to re-sign you.. or if you would even want to come back.." Stephanie cupped her face in her hands, "of course, that might mean bringing Matt over to Smackdown.."

"If I did come back.. what 'bout me an' Rob taggin' together?" Jeff scratched his chin in thought. "I mean, that'd work, right? You could have Lita manage us."

Stephanie nodded shortly, "it's an option.. a far fetched option, but it's an option. I know I would love to see it and I'm sure the fans would love to see you two tagging together. But if that doesn't work--"

"She can walk down with me.." John shrugged slightly, "I know it wouldn't make much sense or whateva, but if you're havin' Show kidnappin' her.."

"That's what I was thinking." A small smirk appeared on the Smackdown G.M's face. "If you wouldn't mind playing that 'knight in shining armor' role.."

Dawn shook her head, "it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.. You two are just... Well, she likes rock, you live hip hop and.. It just wouldn't make sense."

Stephanie snorted softly, "a lot of things in life don't make sense.. But it would work and it's an easy option. Right now, we need the quickest option we can get."

Dawn inclined her head at the Smackdown G.M., "what about that other thing you talked about?"

"That?" Stephanie rolled her shoulders, "well that all depends on if Dad still goes through with it.." She sent a look around the hotel room, "my father has this crazy idea to make another reality show, but using superstars.. Basically, it would be a few people from RAW and a few people from Smackdown." She smiled suddenly, "but.. if you two wouldn't mind having a camera trailing after you from time to time.."

John regarded his boss suspiciously, "I really ain't sure I wanna know where you're goin' with this.."

"Well, like Dawn said, it wouldn't make sense for Li to walk out with you, right? You two would just be bound to clash." Stephanie paused to smooth down her dress pants. "Plus, it would mean that we can always keep an eye on Lita.. Possibly have some security guards around her."

John shook his head, still not sure it would be such a good idea. "I jus'.. I ain't sayin' that I'd have a problem havin' her walkin' with me or whateva.. But--"

"John.." Stephanie sighed, "my top priorty right now, is making sure that Lita and Nida are going to be safe. I really don't care how much sense this will make.. Nidia will be with Rey and either Dave or Eddie." An eyebrow raised then, a pointed look in the brunette's eyes. "And it's apparent to me that she trusts you.. So, I'd have to ask you.. Would you be willing to help me keep her safe?"

While he gave no verbal reply to that, the U.S. Champion did shift his gaze down to the small hand clutching his. In turn, Stephanie took that action as a yes, mentally giving the approval when Lita nodded. With the near future of Lita and Nidia decided, Dawn finally spoke up about the trip to the police station.. Ensuring both Lita and Nidia that she would do the talking if it all came down to it. But, before they could go anywhere, Lita had to use the bathroom; Dawn assisting her with at least getting there before some of the redhead's stubborn streak sparked. Of course, that lead to the group at large waiting a little bit longer for Lita.. But once she was out of the bathroom, they left the hotel. And, since Stephanie, Jeff and Big Show hadn't been there for the incident, they waited while the others went back. Nidia still wasn't in the best shape to talk about the incident, and even if she had been, the young Diva was shaking so bad with fright that Dave nearly took the police officer's head off when he tried to question her again. Lita didn't fare much better, but she at least managed to get most of the story told before she broke down. From that point on, Dawn took care of the rest of the police report; Eddie staying with her while Dave, Rey and John took the two nerve wrecked Diva's back to the waiting area. Nidia was settled safely between Rey and Dave, while Lita was settled comfortably on a lap. Jeff sat beside her, rubbing small circles on her back as they waited for Eddie and Dawn. And when they did appear, Stephanie proposed a late lunch before they went to her place.. As much as she didn't want to, they had to film the 'kidnapping' bit so they could air it at Backlash. The Smackdown G.M. could only hope that it wouldn't make things worse than they already were for Lita and Nidia, but given the present company.. Her worries were lessened.