Adam parked Dean's Mustang in the café parking lot. He'd sent Dean text to tell him it was time. When Justin drove around to park on the far side of the café, Adam didn't think twice about it, Dean had pulled up in the Kia and parked next to him.
Dean and Adam greeted each other with a kiss. Justin frowned when he saw Doctor Ambrose. He'd been warned to expect it, but he hoped it wouldn't interfere with the plan.
"Oh Justin. This is Doctor Dean Ambrose. Dean, Nurse Justin Gabriel." Adam introduced the two before they went inside.
Dean grinned and shook Justin's hand. "Pleased to meet you. I've heard nothing but glowing reports." He was honest as he spoke. He had no reason not to like the young man.
Justin ducked his head. "Just doing my job, I love kids. Well, shall we go in, I'm hungry. Oh, by the way, Doctor Ambrose, you grill delicious burgers." He opened the café door and let the Doctor and Adam go first.
Dean spoke as he and Adam sat at a table in the far corner, that Justin had chosen. "Guess someone shared their lunch. Glad you enjoyed it." Dean smiled at Justin.
Four men, seated at a table across the café smirked at each other. So far, everything was going to plan. All they had to do was tell their associate, who waited in one of the stalls in the men's room, when Adam was on his way to use the restroom. Then, Randy Orton's ex-bitch would be all theirs.
The physician and two nurses ordered their breakfast. It was then that Dean noticed Adam was in street clothes of jeans and a button down shirt of blue plaid.
"Um, Nurse Adam, why are you out of uniform?" Dean asked in a teasing tone.
Adam laughed and explained as well as he could without being too gross at the breakfast table. After all, they were not alone in the café, there were other customers, who weren't used to hearing medical talk.
Dean chuckled a bit, then frowned. "Sorry she got you. Bless her, she has a stomach infection. If the meds don't clear it, I will have to operate and I don't want her to have to go through that. It would mean feeding her through a nasal passage gastric tube. Not fun for anyone, especially a child."
"Parasite or viral?" Justin asked with a sip of coffee.
Dean arched his brow. "Oh yes, Adam said you had three years of med school. I will know on Monday, when I get the path reports. I am treating for viral. If I treated for parasite, and it's not, it wouldn't be good. That is very strong medication." Dean didn't mind talking about it. It wasn't a violation, as they all three tended to the child.
Justin nodded. "I didn't think of that. I hope it is viral, easier to manage."
"I don't wanna talk about the depressing stuff. Let me tell you what Justin has thought of..." Adam went on tell Dean about Justin's fundraising carnival idea. "...So I told him, I would back his carnival idea a billion percent. So what do you think?" Adam finished with a smile.
Dean beamed. "I agree with Adam. I would back that idea. I wish we could get a big name celebrity. Maybe one of the Royals or Chiefs could come. Not huge on the celebrity side, I know, but they are local heroes."
"We've tried that before. While always nice when asked, they refuse. The Royals and Chiefs have contracts with charities and aren't allowed to freelance to other groups." Adam explained. It wasn't his place to tell about Justin's famous friend.
Justin leaned in closer. "I'll tell you what I told Adam..." He went to explain, with a pause as their breakfast arrived. After the waitress left, Justin continued.
"...so all I can do is try. But, as I told and asked Adam, please don't say anything. Mainly because if the kids hear about it and it didn't work out, they would be disappointed. Those kids have enough let downs in their lives." Justin spoke with honest care and compassion.
Dean chewed his bite of ham and cheese omelet, then spoke. "Not a word. I agree with what you said about the kids. But boy, if it does work out, Jor will go nuts, he loves that guy. Oh, by the way, he has a loose tooth. I told the school nurse this morning. I think teeth are going to start falling like rain."
"My babies! Isn't there something you can do to stop them from growing up so fast?" Adam spoke with a tone of sadness that only a birth parent could have. No "mother" wanted their babies to grow up.
Dean gave Adam's cheek a soft caress. "I wish I could, baby. Don't fret, you will never truly lose them. You know that."
Adam leaned into Dean's touch. "I know. Thanks for telling the nurse. We will have to keep an eye on Jade. She would be the one to try the string around the tooth thing." He gave a laugh.
Justin laughed. "I tried that when I had a loose tooth. Worst idea ever. I damaged a nerve in my jaw. My dad pinned my ears back, and rightly so." He took a bite of his blueberry pancakes.
The trio continued to chat and enjoy their breakfast. The four men on the other side of the café kept one eye on their target. They had to be patient and were prepared to wait as long as they had to. One stayed in contact, via text messages, with the man waiting in the restroom. Wade Barrett would stay in that stall as long as he had to. He wanted revenge for his beloved Alberto.
The waitress removed the empty plates from the table occupied by the doctor and two nurses. She filled their coffee cups again.
"I feel like I should be rushing to the hospital." Dean looked at his watch.
Adam smiled. "It was nice of Doctor Cena to fill in on our wing. You know I don't gossip, but I think he wanted to trade so he could have an extra day with Doctor Lesnar." He gave a sheepish duck of his head.
Dean chuckled. "I happen to know, you are right. I also happen to know a certain cardiologist has bought a ring for a certain pediatrician. A proposal is finally going to happen. But, shush! I mean it."
Both Justin and Adam nodded. "Not a word." Adam stated. "Not a word, not on my shift." Justin added with a firm nod.
Adam took a sip of coffee. "I'm going to have to hit the head in a minute."
As soon as Adam spoke, and made a move to stand, two text messages were sent within seconds of each other.
Adam stood. The door of the café opened. Randy Orton, John Morrison, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes and Mike Mizanin walked in. Another of Randy's men, Brett DiBiase entered the café through the window in the men's room like a silent ninja.
Wade Barrett heard nothing, he was too busy preparing, Adam was on his way. He would let the blond do his business, then grab him from behind. He had the needle capped syringe ready. One quick jab and Adam would be tranquilized for two hours. Plenty of time to get him safely stashed in the room that waited for him at the McMahon mansion.
In the main café Adam was surprised to see Randy. He greeted his ex-husband with a warm hug. Randy hugged Adam back. Dean wasn't jealous. He was relieved. Something had bothered him while they ate breakfast. He just wasn't sure why he felt that way. When Randy showed up, the feeling of unease left him. Dean rolled with it.
"What are you guys doing here?" Adam asked as his trip to the bathroom was forgotten.
Randy nodded for his men to go sit at a table close to the men from McMahon's faction. "I got hungry for the Eggs Benedict here. I decided to bring the guys to celebrate getting the contract mess at Saint Luke's fixed." Randy explained in a casual tone with a shrug.
Adam smiled at his ex. "You love the Benedict here as much as I do. I'm glad you settled the contract. We are finally open to new patients again, and we have the medications they need." He still stood as he spoke to Randy.
Randy shrugged again. "Me too. How are our babies?" Randy asked with a soft smile.
As Adam and Randy talked, Justin and Dean sat quietly. Justin pretended to stretch his neck and stole a glance at the table where his cohorts sat. He could see how angry they looked. Randal Orton had just sabotaged Plan B. There were questions that would be asked, and they would have to be the ones to answer them. No one looked forward to it.
Justin was glad that he had perfectly done his part. It was the others that would be called on the carpet. He looked as another man walked into the café. Justin wondered what would happen now. He was almost amused, but the potential fury from Vince and Stephanie McMahon kept the smirk off his face.
Dean rolled his eyes as the newcomer approached, then stopped at their table. "Hey, Drake. What brings you here this time of day?" You should be at work." Dean was friendly, to a point.
Drake smiled. "Actually, I am at work. I'm supposed to be meeting my contact from the Elks. They may take on helping more kids. But, as I parked, he called and changed it to lunch. So, I came in for a cup of coffee." He gave a shrug.
"That's good. I hope it goes well later. Now, I need to get Adam home." Dean stood. The overwhelming feeling of unease was back. He wanted to get Adam home and safe.
As Drake went to sit at another table, he and Justin exchanged a glance. There was nothing they could do. They couldn't afford to be seen talking together. As far as anyone else knew, they didn't know each other very well.
Dean silently stood next to Adam. He waited for a chance to speak. Randy and Adam were discussing the quads so he didn't interrupt. He smiled when Adam took his hand and held it.
"Well, hang on..." Randy pulled out his wallet. He pulled a few five dollar bills out and held them for Adam to take. "My share of tooth fairy money. I hope I get a few teeth. They grow up so fast. I don't want to miss it all." Randy spoke with a touch of sadness.
Adam took the money and pocketed it. "Thanks, Ran. I'll make sure they know dad told the tooth fairy. Tell you what. When they have their next school break, at the end of August, take them for three weeks. You need the time with them. They would love it too." Adam gave Randy a smile.
Randy beamed. "You'd let them come for their entire break? Yes, I'd love that. Maybe I could take them to Disneyland. You and Dean would be welcome to come along."
"Yes, Randy. You are their dad. You should spend the time with them. We can talk about Disneyland. Right now, I wanna go home. I worked nights this last week. It was good to see you, Ran." Adam gave his ex a warm hug.
Randy returned it. "By the way, hello Dean. Thanks again for being so good to Adam and the quads. I sleep better knowing they are safe with you. Go home, Sleeping Beauty. Thanks. We'll talk about their school break."
In the mean time, Justin had quietly paid for their breakfast. He glanced again at his friends at the McMahon table. They understood Justin had to leave. He couldn't be associated with them.
Dean and Adam said goodbye to Randy. Justin waited for them in the parking lot.
"Justin, thank you for breakfast. You shouldn't have paid for mine too." Dean shook the nurse's hand.
Justin grinned. "Not a problem, Doctor, it was my privilege. It was nice meeting you. Adam, thank you for being a good teacher of the ways at work. We will cross paths. Have a great weekend."
"I enjoyed working with you, Justin. You're an excellent nurse. I have no fears of your skills and compassion. Yes, we will see each other again. You have a good weekend. Thank you for breakfast." Adam gave Justin a brotherly hug.
Randy Orton watched as Dean followed Adam out of the parking lot. He also watched the man that was with Adam and Dean leave in the opposite direction. He bristled when he saw the darkly tinted windows. Had he been in on McMahon's plan?
Randy casually walked up to the table where the four men of the McMahon faction sat. He placed his hands on the table, rolled his neck, and spoke in a very deadly tone of voice.
"You tell your fucking boss and that bitch daughter of his, that if they ever try something like this again, Del Rio won't be alone. You will be floating face down with him. Oh, and I would suggest, one of you go check the bathroom, your British friend is sound asleep by now. I also suggest you leave. I don't want my breakfast spoiled. Just remember what I said. Touch Adam or my children, and it will be the last thing you ever do." Randy stood at his full height, and glared at each man at the table. Randy opened his suit jacket enough to flash his shoulder holstered, deadly weapon.
Finn Bálor eyed the weapon. "He means it." Was all the man said as Randy closed his jacket. The others at the table knew, if the weapon made Finn twitch, it was time to go.
Two of the four went to the restroom. They checked the last stall. Wade Barrett was indeed, sound asleep. Brett DiBiase had injected him with the tranquilizer that had been intended for use on Adam. They managed to get Wade out the backdoor of the café to avoid any questions. They were met at the back the two who had paid and gone out the front.
Randy laughed as McMahon's men ran with their tails between their legs. "I don't know who tipped me off, but, I am glad they did. They just better hope McMahon doesn't find out. Ted, make sure Brett gets his bonus. I want him in charge of the team watching Adam's place. Tell him to spare no expense." Randy spoke firmly to Ted DiBiase.
Ted gave Randy a firm nod. "Absolutely, boss. You can count on Brett. Guess McMahon has a leaky faucet as well." He spoke in a soft voice. There were still a few customers and one was paying a little more attention to them than was necessary. Ted gave Cody a slight nudge. He moved his eyes to the man at a table a few booths away.
Ted gently tapped Randy's shin under the table. Again he moved his eyes to the lone man at the table. Randy gave Ted a tap back that meant he understood. Their topic of conversation changed, as Randy said he might be able to take his kids to Disneyland.
Drake Younger knew that Plan B had been blown. He hoped he could overhear something from Orton and his men. However, they spoke so low, he couldn't hear anything. What little he heard was about a trip to Disneyland. Drake finished his coffee, paid and left. He dreaded going to the hospital. Maybe his "meeting" would take longer than he thought. Drake decided to take a nice, long drive around Kansas City. He would be out of the line of fire, for a little while at least.
Adam laid on his back and tried to remember how to breathe. Dean had fucked him into oblivion. He gave a little grunt when Dean pulled him in to hold him.
Adam sighed and placed his head on Dean's pectoral muscle. "That was incredible. Intense, but incredible." He sighed in contentment.
Dean pulled Adam even closer. "Yes, it was. Now, you sleep. I'll pick up the kids later. You're safe. I love you." Dean murmured in Adam's ear.
"Kay. Love you." Adam quickly fell into a deep sleep. He never knew how close he'd come to being ripped from his children and Dean.
Justin Gabriel also slept. But dreams invaded the edges of his sleep. A lady watched him. He just didn't know who she was or why she was there. It wasn't Stephanie McMahon, that much he did know. She was an older lady, but not his mother. Justin turned on his side, and drifted off deeper, out of the world of shadowed dreams.
Stephanie McMahon was in her father's office at Saint Luke's Hospital. She paced like a caged tiger. Vince sat back in his leather chair and watched his daughter.
"I am sure we will hear something soon. Justin won't let us down." Vince spoke calmly.
Stephanie stopped pacing and sat down in a leather chair next to her father. "It's been too long, father. It's nearly noon. If they had him, they would call. Lack of information means fear. Fear means failure. How? The plan was so easy a child could have carried it out. I know Justin did his job, I saw him leave with Adam. If they have failed, what are we going to do? We already gave Orton the contract back. Jericho is furious, he could join with Orton, to seek revenge." She growled out her words. She hated incompetence, especially from the elite council of seven, the inner circle.
Vince cleared his throat. "I honestly don't know. Jericho won't join Orton, trust me on that. He will be happy with exclusive imports… of the addictive kind." He pointedly arched his brow at his daughter.
Stephanie's shoulders drooped. "Yes, you are right about that. I have an idea, but, it would depend on Bálor."
"We would have to be prepared for the wrath of Bob Orton." Vince actually hated that thought. He was too old for another war. No one ever really won. Blood was shed and it made the cops even nosier.
The two McMahon's looked when a soft knock echoed on the door.
Drake Younger took a deep breath as he knocked on the door of Vince McMahon's office. He decided he'd be the one to break the news. He had nothing to fear, he'd done his part. If he was a man about it, it would go better with Stephanie. She would hopefully, respect him for it. Running was never the answer and he didn't want the bloodhounds chasing him.
"Get in here." Stephanie spoke as she opened the office door. She pointed to a chair that faced her father. Stephanie went back to her seat next to Vince.
Vince was still relaxed. "Speak, Mister Younger." He blinked slowly like a lazy reptile.
Drake looked directly at the father and daughter. "Everything was going perfectly. I showed up as planned. Adam was just about to go to the restroom. Before Adam could move, Orton and four of his men entered the café. He claimed he was taking his men to breakfast to celebrate getting the contract settled. He spoke to Adam, mostly about their brats. Adam left with Doctor Ambrose and Justin left as well. It would have looked bad for him to stay. Orton went over to where Finn, Drew, Sheamus and Cesaro sat. Orton laid down some kind of threat. I wasn't close enough to hear, and I couldn't be obvious. Sheamus and Cesaro went to the restroom to get Wade. I guess they went out the back. The others paid and left. I stayed and hoped to hear Orton's conversation, but they spoke too softly. I tried. Justin and I did our parts to the letter. That's all I know." Drake never flinched as he spoke. He told the absolute truth and hoped it would save him.
Stephanie looked at her father. Vince gave her a slight nod. It meant Vince was willing to let Stephanie remain in the lead.
"Thank you for your honesty, Mister Younger. You've been the only one man enough to tell me what happened. I will excuse Mister Gabriel, he needed his sleep. I agree, you and Justin have done all I asked. You have no fear. There is one more thing I want you to do. Take the rest of the day of and make sure the others are at the conference table by six tonight. You also tell them, anyone not there will be in my dog house. Trust me, that is one place you don't want to be. Go to the mansion when you are done. I will call and tell the staff to expect you. Feel free to enjoy the pool. You've done well, Drake. You may now go." Stephanie stood as did Drake.
Drake gave Vince a nod of deep respect. He also gave Stephanie a nod as she opened the door for him. "Thank you, ma'am and sir. I will make sure everyone is there."
When he heard the door close behind him, Drake's knees nearly buckled with relief. He and Justin were in the clear and he hoped it stayed that way. In the mean time, he was going to enjoy the offer to relax by the pool, after he spoke to the others. He just hoped they all survived the night. Drake loved his blood oath brothers in the McMahon faction, as far as he was concerned, it made them a family.
In a secret room, in an office building in downtown Kansas City, Randy Orton and his seven lieutenants sat around a conference table.
"Is Adam alright?" Dolph Ziggler asked. He had stayed at the office and hadn't been at the café.
Randy smiled. "Yes, he is fine. I don't know who warned me, but I am very grateful they did. It seems like McMahon has a leaky faucet. Zack, what about our plumbing problem?" Randy went from a smile to a frown.
Zack Ryder frowned as well. "I am working on it. You know we have a lot of people working for us. The one lead I do have is, our leak may have been loyal to the Del Rio family. I am working on setting up that phony drug delivery. I am going to plant the information close my suspected leak. I want to wait till the real delivery arrives though. I am the only one that knows where and when. It's too big to risk. In the mean time, anything planned around this table or the other one, stays around those tables." He spoke firmly.
Randy nodded. "Very well, Zack. If anyone can find the leak, it's you. If you need help, I want you to use only one of us in this room. You are the only ones I fully trust, and of course Brett. Ted, the invitation is open, Brett can be on of us."
Ted nodded. "I think he will, but right now, he is tired of tight authority. He loves watching over Adam and the children. He doesn't want that interrupted by meetings like this. You know he means no disrespect. He understands The Code and the system. Brett just wants to do his duty to you, and Adam to be the only thing on his mind." Ted explained as best he could about the way Brett worked.
Randy grinned. "I fully understand, Teddy. Brett is a good man. I don't want him distracted from his job. Especially considering how close Adam came to trouble today. I just hope Adam remembers about…well...I will speak to him about it. Nothing for you all to worry about. Now, how are we going to retaliate for what happened today?" He looked at his men.
Heath Slater spoke up. "I have an idea, but..." Heath was always the most quiet one of the group. What most didn't realize was, Heath was a genius. He had a MENSA level IQ. He was silent but often heard and saw things others missed.
Randy gave the man a nod. He knew how intelligent Heath was. Heath was also their youngest. "Go ahead, Heath. You haven't had a bad idea yet." He encouraged Heath. The red head a lot of potential ahead of him.
Heath flushed. His pale skin made his blush a pretty pink. "Thank you, sir. My idea is, we do nothing." He was interrupted by Cody.
"Heath, no disrespect, but The Code requires retaliation." Cody was firm, but polite. He knew Heath wasn't as experienced as the others.
Heath held up a hand. "I do know that, Cody. Hear me out, please." He looked to Randy.
"Go ahead, Heath. We will listen." Randy again smiled at Heath and gave him a nod.
Heath nodded to Randy. "Again, thank you, sir. We do nothing, for the moment. From what you said, you gave them a warning. Let that be enough for now. If you let them think that Adam isn't worth more than a warning, they might leave him alone. They could also try again, but, we could be ready for them. Brett can handle that. Look how close he is to Adam, and Adam has no clue. Brett could even get someone into the hospital to watch over Adam. Adam will be at an even greater risk, the children too. We will retaliate, but when they least expect it." He ended with a shrug. For all his intelligence, Heath knew he wasn't good at communicating ideas. His college professor said it was because his mind created thoughts faster than his mouth.
Cody spoke up. "I get what you mean, Heath. He is right, boss. Kind of like buy now, pay later. They will be expecting us to retaliate and prepare for it. When nothing happens and they relax, we strike. Is that it Heath?"
Heath grinned at Cody. "Yes, exactly. They will waste a lot of time and effort in thinking we will come to them. But, when we don't, they will get brave and try something else. That's when we get them, when their backs are turned. Ted, talk to Brett, we need eyes on McMahon when possible. Boss, how were you warned about this morning?" Heath arched his brow at Randy.
"I got a phone call here at the office on the known business number. I was still at home, so it rang in on my cell phone. Jane always relays company calls to my phone after hours and weekends." Randy explained. After all, to the outside world, he was a fine, upstanding businessman.
AJ Styles spoke up. "Heath, did you think maybe McMahon's faucet might drip?"
"Yeah, AJ. Maybe if he dripped once, he'd do it again…with persuasion, if necessary." Heath smiled. The others were catching on to what he'd tried to explain.
Randy perked. "AJ, can you extract his number from my phone? It was a relay, not a direct call.
AJ smirked. "Give me your phone, boss. And give me an hour."
Randy pulled out his phone. "Just don't mess up my phone. There is too much information on it." He handed the phone to AJ.
"I won't but, I will totally back it up, just in case. I will be back in an hour. I need my crypto computer in my office." AJ stood. He left the secret room and headed for his own office.
At Adam's place, Dean smiled. Adam was sound asleep. His long hair fanned out like silk strands of gold across the pillows. He looked adorable and Dean's heart filled with love.
Dean tied his sneakers. It was time to pick the quads up from school. Dean went to the bed and kissed Adam's cheek.
"Sleep on my beautiful nymph. I'm going to pick up the babies. I love you, baby." Dean pulled up the covers. Adam had pulled on his sleeping attire when he'd gotten up to go to the bathroom at some point.
Dean smiled and left Adam to sleep. Ida was in the kitchen when Dean came downstairs.
"He's sleeping. I am going to get the kids. Do you need anything?" Dean asked Ida as he got the Kia keys from the board.
Ida smiled. "Not that I can think of. We are having roast chicken for dinner. Dean, thank you for coming into our lives. You have brought the joy back to this house. I am not ashamed to say, I hope you are here to stay."
Dean kissed Ida's cheek. "Miss Ida, they brought me back to life. And I am not ashamed to say, that is my plan." He winked at the housekeeper, then left to pick up the quads.
Meanwhile, back in the secret conference room at the Orton Pharmaceutical's building, AJ Styles returned to the meeting.
AJ handed Rand his cell phone. Randy looked at his computer whiz. "Well, did you find out who it was?"
AJ smirked. "Oh yeah. Hang on to your hat, boss. You won't believe who it is."