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 33

April 18, 2004

Despite the fact that they hadn't eaten anything since breakfast that morning, the only ones who did eat where Jeff, Stephanie and Show. Dawn, Lita and Nidia claimed they just weren't hungry while Dave, Eddie, John and Rey picked at their food. With some careful prodding and coaxing, Jeff at least got the redheaded Diva to eat half of a salad.. Stephanie persuading Dawn to eat the rest of it. And when they finally realized that it was still hurting Nidia to eat.. they ordered the young Diva a milkshake or two, knowing that wouldn't completely substitue for a complete meal but it would at least help. Stephanie then, very tactfully, pointed out that as the Smackdown GM, she could drop fines on her employees if they didn't eat. Still, the late lunch was mostly silent.. Lita and Nidia still shaken from the visit to the police station while Dawn wasn't faring much better. And as Stephanie got a good look at everyone else, it was plain to see that Dave, Eddie, John and Rey were also disturbed by the recent events. In the time that she had known Eddie, John and Rey, the brunette couldn't recall when she had seen them looking this tense...or this lost. Thanks to her position in the company, she did know of the relation between Nidia and Dave.. That at least helped her somewhat, knowing that family -- even when they were being a pain in the ass -- meant the world to anyone. It was like an overwhelming sense of hopelessness had settled over the group.. Which, given the recent events, Stephanie could understand why. But, she also knew, that the world wouldn't stop.. They still had to report to Kelowna for the Smackdown taping on Tuesday, and within the next few hours, they had to film the short segment to explain the abscences of Lita and Nidia from tonight's pay per view. Stephanie had already decided that Lita and Nidia would stay at her home until the flight to Kelowna, and if need be; the three could just stay there until the house shows. That offer would also be extended to Dawn, though the brunette wasn't sure if she could extend that to Dave, Eddie, John and Rey. And it wasn't like she didn't think they would be needed... just that she wasn't sure if she could pull that off and manage a believable excuse. Of course, Nidia and Lita traveling anywhere would all depend on their physical conditions.. Nidia was probable, depending on how her ribs were feeling while with Lita.. Well, Stephanie knew from experience that Lita was tough.. But, judging from the way she looked now, she knew that the redheaded Diva was not as invincible as she wanted everyone to believe. Sighing slightly, Stephanie tossed down her credit card when the waitress arrived with the bill, dabbing at the corners of her mouth before she addressed the group at the table.

Bridging her hands together, Stephanie glanced specifically to the Smackdown superstars. "I would say that you all didn't have to report to the tapings in Kelowna, but.. if anyone, the only one who would be able to miss it, is Show."

Dave raised an eyebrow, "and what about me? In order for me to be on Smackdown, I'd have to drop the belts at some point on RAW."

The Smackdown G.M. nodded, "correct.. And as far as that's concerned, we'll just have the titles dropped to Chris Benoit and Edge. Or, if I can manage it and you wouldn't mind, we could have the titles changed over in a handicapped match."

The Big Man frowned slightly, "I can't say I'd want to do that to Ric.. But, I don't want to leave 'Dia."

"I understand," Stephanie stated quietly, a few errant strands of hair pushed back behind her ear. "That's why I'm letting you make the choice.. You tell me what you want to happen, I'll call my dad. We won't have to deal with Bischoff at all."

Dave seemed hesitant about that, "are you sure you can do that?"

Stephanie raised an eyebrow, "I'm the G.M. of Smackdown and my dad is the chairman of the WWE.. Yes, I'm sure I can do that."

Dawn cleared her throat, "and what will Li and 'Dia do until they can travel? I just don't think they should be going anywhere and if they do.."

Stephanie nodded sharply, "I don't want them alone, if that's what you're thinking.. But, if they can't travel yet.." She pursed her lips, signing the receipt quickly when the waitress returned. "Maybe I can talk to dad.. see where he wants to go with that dumb reality show idea."

Dawn raised an eyebrow, "what would that accomplish?"

"It would mean that Li and 'Dia wouldn't need to travel much for a week or two at the very least." Calmly so, Stephanie smoothed down the front of her sweater. "But, it would also mean finding two unlikely room-mates for them."

"Wait a minute," Dawn set aside her glass of iced water. "Are you trying to tell me that Li and 'Dia would be living with two people for two weeks? Where would they be living and what exactly are you expecting of them?"

Stephanie held up a hand, "Dawn...calm down. It wouldn't just be them, there would be at least six other people.. And as I said, it would be for two weeks at the very least, I'm not sure how much longer it would be."

Eddie sent his boss a questioning look, "but mamacita.. what would they be doing?"

Stephanie gave a little shrug, "it would be the same concept behind a show like Real World.. Basically, it would be ten people, maybe more...maybe less... living together in one house.. That's if dad goes through with the idea, which, I can talk him out of it."

Dawn shook her head, "I don't think it's a very good idea, Steph.. I mean, sure, it would keep Li and 'Dia from traveling for a bit, but.. Under those types of circumstances?"

"But, it would allow us to keep an eye on them." Stephanie put her wallet back in her purse, "twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. There would be full security around, the location would be kept a secret."

The Woodbridge native frowned, "I still don't think it's a good idea.. The security is nice, knowing where they are at all times, is great.. But, who does your dad have in mind for this?"

Stephanie shrugged, "he left that part up to me and Shane.. Well, basically me, because Shane is busy with RAW at the moment.."

"Let me get this straight," Dave rested his forearms on the table, "if you and your father go through with this television show thing.. You'd be putting them in hiding."

"Except for travel to RAW and Smackdown.." Stephanie nodded slowly, "maybe one house show during the weekend, but pretty much yes. Everyone who's selected for this would be pretty much out of sight."

"And for how long?"

The Smackdown G.M. shrugged, "Dad was thinking until Summer Slam, but I think that's a bit much.. Given that it's only mid-April right now, that would mean roughly four months. Shane was saying that mid-June would be a little more feasible, I said late May and mom said early July."

Dawn sent a cautious look to the silent redhead, knowing that Lita really wasn't the type to just run away but.. "Li? What do you think of this?"

Lita was silent for a good while, twisting the cloth napkin in her good hand. "I'd say it all depends on who else is living in this crazy house."

Stephanie waited until the redhead was at least looking in her general direction. "This wouldn't start for another week, possibly two.. I don't know how much you'd be able to participate because of your wrist, but.."

"It would mean you were safe," Jeff finished for the Smackdown G.M. "An' baby girl, I know ya don't like runnin' from your problems but.. I think it's time to make an exception."

"And, like I said, I'm hand picking the list of people." Stephanie sent her friend a reassuring smile, "which means I won't stick you in that house with Triple H. The only suggesions my dad did make.. Were Undertaker and Kane."

Dawn blanched slightly, "do I even want to know why?"

Stephanie rolled her eyes good naturedly, "because Dad wants the most ... interesting mix possible." She turned her attention back to Lita, "I'm not saying you aboslutely have to do this and I'm not even sure that it's a definite possibility.. But, it's another option for you."

Lita nodded slowly, "I'll think about it Steph...it's not like I can get back in the ring anytime soon so.."

Stephanie nodded in turn, the group of superstars and Jeff exiting the restaurant to head back to the hotel so they could check out. Jeff helped the redhead pack up her belongings, slightly surprised when Lita's room-mate from the previous night carried her suitcase along with his. And once everyone had packed up, the group was on their way back to the airport, mainly to drop of the three rental cars. Stephanie had reasoned, back at the hotel, that traveling by train would probably be the better option for Nidia.. the Smackdown G.M. getting no arguments out of anyone for the new travel arrangements. And while they waited at the train station, Lita found herself discussing the proposed reality show thing with Dawn, Eddie and John. The redhead admitted first, that she wasn't exactly thrilled about the prospect of having to share her space with nine other people, but she also understood that it would keep her out of harms way. Possibly anyway, but at this point, a possibility was better than nothing. It would also keep her completely away from the arenas and parking lots.. Places where she used to feel safe walking through, but now ... she was constantly looking over her shoulder, waiting for something to happen or for someone to show up. And while they knew that the possibility for something to happen was still there.. Lita reminded herself, that when they were in Los Angeles.. Nothing had happened. Perhaps, it had been because of the group that was there.. Or perhaps, it was because of their location. Aside from shows, appearances and corporate headquarters, the WWE didn't really give information freely. And if Stephanie had said the location would be kept secret.. Lita trusted her word. Nidia, meanwhile, was also discussing the possibility of the show with Dave and Rey.. Her brother telling her that it would mean a break from being on the road all of the time.. Plus, it would keep her safe. And with Stephanie hand picking the occupants of the house, Evolution's Enforcer could always ask to be one of the unlikely house-mates. The seperate discussions continued until the train pulled into the station, the group claiming half the section of the car they were in for the trip to Stamford.

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Granted, they were only on the train for less than an hour, but since they had all rented.. It just hadn't made sense to fly. Added to that, they needed to head over to corporate headquarters, to film the short segment with Big Show, Lita and Nidia.. After which, they'd head over to Stephanie's place in Greenwich. Naturally, they had their worries when the segment was brought up on the train.. Stephanie assuring both Lita and Nida that it wouldn't take too long to film. And even though she wanted to avoid filming the segment all together, she knew it couldn't be avoided since they had to explain Lita's absence from the pay per view. Tonight, after all, she was supposed to be challenging Victoria for the Women's title. Something that the redheaded Diva wouldn't be able to do for at least three months, probably longer since she'd have to undergo some physical therapy for her broken wrist and hand. But, Stephanie knew better than to bring that particular part up.. Even with all of the other problems Lita was currently undergoing...the brunette figured that the Queen of Extreme didn't need to be reminded about the fact that she couldn't wrestle. It was during the short train ride to Stamford that Stephanie also started thinking further on the reality show idea.. Given that her dad would more than likely go forward with it, because her dad was just the type to use odd, out of the lines and sometimes just plain stupid ideas to draw ratings. Stephanie wasn't about to say this reality show idea was just plain stupid.. A part of her felt it was stupid, given that ten superstars would be living together and that the mix of personalities could cause for some very violent or very interesting moments. But, on the other hand, it would give them a semi-break from the seemingly non-stop travel schedule and more importantly, it would keep Lita and Nidia out of harms way. With those thoughts in mind, the Smackdown G.M. began to think of a tentative list.. presuming that her dad would want an even mix of superstars.. a small smile crossing her face as the train pulled into the station.

Dawn sat on the hood of the limo that picked them up at the train station, the brunette not really sure why it was necessary.. but whatever, it had gotten them from one point to the other. "I hope Stephanie knows what she's doing.."

Rey raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean by that?"

The Woodbridge native nodded to the building behind them. "I mean.. You saw how Li and 'Dia were at the police station and now Stephanie wants a 'kidnapping' scene?"

"Well, if they didn't do that.." Eddie shrugged, trying to be optimistic about the whole scene. "How else would they explain Li-Li's abscence?"

"I know that, I just wish there was some other way." Dawn bit her lower lip, the brunette currently sharing the small space on the hood with Jeff. "I'm worried about them."

Eddie nodded from his spot on the sidewalk with Dave, John and Rey. "We all are mamacita, but I trust Stephanie.. I don't think she'd push Li or 'Dia too far."

Dawn cast a sideways glance to the Cameron native. "Have you heard back from the police at all?"

Jeff frowned, "they said they'd call me sometime this week.. Something about gathering evidence an' all that.. Seein' what was goin' on 'round that time."

Dawn nodded, hesitating a good minute or three before she spoke again. "What happened? I mean, Li told me a little bit, but.. If you don't want to say anything that's alright too.. I just--"

The Cameron native raked his hands through his hair, "I'll tell ya, if you can tell me 'bout what's been going on.. She hasn't really said much to me since that night." He waited until Dawn nodded, his arms crossing over his chest before he told them what happened. "Chris had called me the day that Li came home.. Said I should go check on her, make sure she was doin' alright. An' at first, I really didn't think anything of it, ya know? But, I checked on her and.. Someone had broken into her house, left behind a note and a picture.."

Dave frowned deeply, "same thing happened to 'Dia...broken window, some freaky note card and a picture." His expression darkened considerably, large hands clenching into fists. "Right when I went to go pick her up.."

Dawn sighed heavily, "that's been happening a lot.. Not the whole breaking in part, but the notes and the pictures. It's like there's someone on the inside or something that's telling these assholes where to go."

"Or these fuckers are just really damn persistent." John rolled his shoulders, "and unfortunately, they're smart."

Jeff nodded his agreement, "I don't want Li going home 'til this mess clears up. Granted, I don't know how long that'll be, but I just don't think it's best for her to go home."

Dawn raised an eyebrow, "and what about you, Jeff? If they know where she lives, I'm sure they've figured out that you were there."

"Then I deal with 'em.." Jeff sat back, his palms resting flat on the hood of the limo. "I'm not saying that I'm about to take on some assholes on my own, but.."

"Just be careful," the brunette Diva smiled shakily. "And that goes for you four, as well." She sent a pointed look over to Dave, Rey, Eddie and John. "If I know Li like I think I do, then she won't want anything happening to anyone else."

Dave couldn't stop a smirk from forming at the corners of his mouth. "That's what she told me.. That she wasn't about to put anyone else in harms way. Said the same to Randy."

Dawn sniffled, "that was how she ended up alone at the museum...making sure that Nidia was okay."

"Well, she ain't alone now.. Even if she didn't want no one else in harms way.. We are." John shrugged when Dawn shot him a look, "don' give me that look, Dawn.. 'cos it's true. By bein' around her, we're involved. An' unless we leave her an' Nidia alone? We're gonna be involved until this shit is over with."

"I have no intentions of leaving her or 'Dia alone," Dawn stated firmly. "I might not be able to do as much harm, but I will not leave them alone."

The group fell silent then; Stephanie, Show, Nidia and Lita soon emerging from the building. "We're ready to leave when you all are.." the brunette mentioned, holding the door open to the limo so Show could set the young Diva inside. "And unless you all feel like heading home, you're more than welcome to come back to Greenwich with me."

Show gave the redhead a gentle hug, "I'll see you when I see you, Red." Straightening, he sent a look to the Smackdown G.M. "And I'll see you, when I see you."

Stephanie nodded, "I won't be needing you until one week from this Tuesday.. But, I'll call with the details about how this all ends."

At that, the Big Show waved to them all, a taxi soon coming to the parking lot so he could leave.

Dawn sent Stephanie a questioning look as Lita carefully climbed into the limo. "How did they hold up?"

"Surprisingly okay.." Stephanie wrapped her arms loosely around her middle. "I didn't want to do the segment, but.. I couldn't do things any other way."

"I know Steph.. I just..." Dawn sighed, "I just want to go home or something.. Try to forget that this weekend ever happened."

One arm removed from her middle, wrapping tightly around Dawn's shoulders. "My home may not be your true home, but for now.. why don't we just head there, order some pizza, get some ice cream.. Because, it looks like you all need it."

When she got no complaints to that, the rest of the group joined the two Diva's already in the limo; Nidia resting her head against her brother's shoulder as soon as he settled next to her. Dawn found herself clutching tightly at Eddie's hand, a fresh wave of unshed tears welling in the brunette's eyes as the limo exited the parking lot for the short drive to Greenwich. Lita, on the other hand, curled into the body nearest to her.. Jeff once again rubbing small circles on her lower back, exchanging a look with the U.S. Champion over Lita's head. And for her part, Stephanie let out a heavy sigh, glancing between the small clusters of people in the limo. She almost felt as if she were intruding.. the brunette bringing out her cell phone to call one of the local pizza places.. and one of the Chinese food places to order food for when they got to her house. She may not have been there for whatever had happened over the weekend, nor had she been there for any of the other events from the past three weeks. But, that didn't mean that she wasn't going to do anything in her power...or her family's power for that matter...to help her friends as best she could. The Smackdown G.M. could only hope that it would be enough... knowing that in some ways it wouldn't be, but she had to at least do something. And while she still held her reservations about the whole reality show.. Stephanie reasoned, that if anything, it would keep Lita and Nidia out of harms way for a bit...and provide a distraction from the recent events. Granted, it would also call for some careful planning on her part, specifically where it concerned who else would be picked for this crazy idea. But, as the limo pulled into the driveway of her home, Stephanie had a good idea of who she was going to pick.