At six pm, the seven lieutenants of the McMahon family faction sat at the huge conference table in the McMahon mansion. Drake Younger and Justin Gabriel sat, side by side at the foot of the table. Vince and Stephanie McMahon sat side by side at the head of the table.
"We know what happened. What we want to know is how it happened. Barrett, we'll start with you. How did you get drugged with your own syringe?" Stephanie looked at Wade with a deadly glare.
Wade Barrett had feared this question since Younger had informed him of the meeting. "Ma'am, please understand, I am not being flippant or disrespectful. All I can say is, I got a text from Finn. He said blondie was on the way. I pulled out the syringe, made sure it was ready. Next thing I knew, I woke up in Finn's condo. It was if a ghost had done it. I didn't see or hear anything. I honestly don't know what happened." He looked Stephanie directly in the eye. Wade spoke the truth, he had no reason to lie.
Vince McMahon looked at Wade. "Son, could you have, without realizing it, accidentally injected yourself? It has happened. Be honest, remember The Code." He was firm, but kind.
Wade shook his head. "No, sir. I swear it. I kept the needle capped. That was why I double checked, because I didn't want to poke myself. I swear on The Code." Wade also looked Vince in the eye and spoke the truth.
Vince nodded. "Then I am satisfied. A liar wouldn't dare swear on The Code. Orton must have a very good man on his...team. By the way, how are you feeling, son?"
Wade shrugged. "Like I have a bad hangover. I will be fine by tomorrow. I wish I knew who it was. I would personally give him an entire syringe full. Sir, ma'am again, no disrespect. I am not just doing this for you, I am doing for my dear Alberto." He hung his head and held back the tears that threatened to fall.
Stephanie actually gave Wade a soft smile. She also gave him a pat on the shoulder as Wade sat closest to her. "We understand, Wade. To want revenge for the one you love isn't disrespectful to us. I promise you, Wade, on The Code, if we catch the one who drugged you, you may take care of it. We know how much Alberto meant to you. He meant a lot to us as well. We have also sworn on The Code, to send his killer to Mexico, for Alberto's father to dispose of. I am sure Señor Del Rio would welcome you to be the one to make that delivery. He spoke highly of you, and would have given you and Alberto his blessings to wed. Señor Del Rio looked forward to possible grandchildren. Orton stole that, from all of you. Now, are you well enough to continue? If not, you may be excused." Stephanie was unusually soft. Deep down, she loved her lieutenants like brothers.
Wade smiled at Stephanie. "I'm fine, ma'am. Thank you for your kind words. I guess I should tell you, Señor Del Rio will get his wish. I found out I am pregnant. It must have happened the night before Alberto was...murdered. I am a bit worried, I hope the sleeping drug didn't hurt the baby. I didn't mention it, because I didn't want to be pulled off the team. This child is all I have left of Alberto. I owe it to her, to avenger her father. Alberto so wanted a little girl." Wade's hand moved to his belly in protection.
Stephanie and Vince glanced at each other. The news was a bit of a shock. Before they could speak, Justin spoke.
"Excuse me, sir, ma'am. Wade, I will be happy to check you over after the meeting. I can say, the sleeping drug poses no threat." Justin spoke with confidence.
Wade gave Justin a slight smile. "Thank you, Justin. That is a great relief. Yes, I would like to make sure everything is alright." Justin returned Wade's smile but said nothing.
Stephanie gave Wade another smile. "Congratulations, Wade. Señor Del Rio will be thrilled. I am going to send you to Mexico, to tell him. After that, you will come back and help us catch Alberto's killer. However, we will not allow you to be in the direct line of danger. Now, shall we continue?" She eyed the other men around the table.
Finn Bálor spoke up. "There is only one possible answer. Someone in the faction is a fuckin' dirty rat." He spoke with a growl. Disloyalty was the worst possible thing.
"I happen to agree with you, Mister Bálor. One thing I know, it is no one in this room. The question is, who else knew the plan, except those of you in this room? I what I want to know is, how the hell did Orton find out? Now, speak!" Stephanie looked directly at Finn Bálor. She had a deadly glint in her eye.
Finn Bálor took a moment to speak. He looked the six other lieutenants, directly in the eye, one man at a time. Stephanie might believe her words, but he did not. Finn knew one of the men at the table was the rat. The problem was, which one. He turned back to the McMahon's.
"Sir, ma'am, I have no idea. We were just about ready to make our move. Everything had been set up perfectly. Orton walked in and paid no attention to us. He went over to his ex-bitch, and Doctor Ambrose. Justin was with them. Drake was at another table, ready to do his part. After a conversation about their brats, Orton sent his ex home with the doctor. Orton came to our table, warned us off and flashed an extremely deadly hand gun. I mean extremely deadly. Hollow point, armor piercing deadly. He has, and it hurts me to even say it, a far better weapons expert than me. And ma'am, that is almost impossible." Finn ended with a nod.
Vince spoke. "Thank you, Mister Bálor. I have every faith in you and your expertise in weaponry. You have my blessings to purchase what we need to upgrade our arsenal. Spare no expense. I also want to make sure you have the best equipment. I want everyone of you to wear a vest at all times. Wade, that goes especially for you. My daughter and I will as well. Now, Mister Younger, tell us about your part." Vince looked at Drake, his eyes dark with unspoken rage.
Drake sat up a bit more erect in his chair. "I went to the café as planned. Of course, my ex and Orton's ex were surprised I was there at that time of day instead of at work. I explained about my friend from the Elk's Club. I told them about the meeting being moved, but that I was going to have a cup of coffee. I went to a table and basically, everyone forgot I was there. The bad part was, after our men left, I couldn't hear Orton's conversation. Had I moved to get closer, it would have looked suspicious. I was fully prepared to do my job, but, someone let us down. I swear on the the oath, it was not me." Drake ended with a nod. He also pulled on the necklace, hidden under his clothing. On the chain was a small medal. On the medal, a large Mc was deeply etched on to the chest of an eagle, it's wings extended. It had been given to him on the day he'd taken his blood oath, by Vince himself. Drake kissed the medal, then tucked it back into his shirt. It was if it had vanished.
Stephanie gave Drake a nod. "Yes, you did everything perfectly. Your job is to keep your eyes and ears open at the hospital. You're doing very well. Keep on like you have changed. You've gained Adam's respect and that means looser lips. We have got to find out who gave Ambrose that pump. We would have already had Adam if that exchange would have never happened. Someone in Saint Louis needs a strong warning. We have to tread lightly, Bob Orton isn't stupid. He has eyes covering Saint Louis like a blanket. Thank you, Mister Younger." Stephanie gave Drake a final nod.
Drake sat back in his chair. While his expression remained like stone, inside he was giddy. While he spoke the truth, one never knew how things would actually turn.
"Justin, your report, please." Vince took over the questions. After all, he was the boss.
Justin, like the others, looked the McMahon's in the eye. "I did everything as I was told to do it. The only very slight glitch, Adam asked about the car and the tinted windows. I quickly made up a story that it was a loner from an auto repair shop, because the AC was out in my car. Adam was happy, then launched into some story about car AC. I like Adam as a nurse, but boy, can that man talk. But, it could mean that eventually he will let something slip. I met him at the café, as planned. As expected Doctor Ambrose showed up. I don't know how Orton knew, but when he came into the café, I knew he knew. It was in his eyes. Ma'am is there a way I could work the day shift with Adam and Seth for a week? I might, if nothing else, get that name in Saint Louis." Justin arched his brow at Stephanie.
Stephanie grinned. "I am sure that can be arranged. You would want to learn as much as possible about the hospital. Getting to know Doctors Ambrose and Cena, to learn how they like things done. Also, Seth and Adm are more likely to talk openly and things do slip. Justin, you are brilliant. Mister Younger, perhaps you can assist Mister Gabriel. So, starting on Monday, you will be on day shift with Adam and Seth."
Drake spoke up. "I have a suggestion, if Justin wouldn't object. If we could pretend to be…interested in each other, maybe we could get even more personal with Adam and Dean. Get inside so to speak. It will never happen if I am alone, Ambrose won't trust me. But, if he can see that I've moved on, and am serious about changing, it would help. Justin, we'd only appear to be a couple. I would never disrespect you. I just want to get as close as possible to Orton's ex-bitch."
Justin nodded. "It would work. Plus, I kind of laid a foundation by accident. Adam asked if there was anyone in my life. I had to pull a rabbit out of the hat and I said I found Drake rather handsome. So, it wouldn't surprise Adam that much. Being on days would be a chance to get to know Drake better. You know, flirt during breaks and such. So I guess my mouth knew of this idea ahead of time" He gave a laugh.
"If neither Mister Younger or Mister Gabriel object, I would fully support the idea. Having two of our men with a chance to get inside the Orton circle would be very handy indeed. Excellent work and ideas, gentlemen. Please, proceed as my daughter instructs." Vince gave his approval.
"I agree with father. Excellent work. I will take care of things at the hospital. Now, lets proceed. There was a fuck up this morning, and we still don't have an answer. Alright, Sheamus, you're next. Tell me what happened." Stephanie glared at the redheaded Irish man. She would know if anyone lied to her.
Shane McMahon sat on his bed and sighed. No one knew about the listening device he had put in his father's conference room. He'd always thought there was more to his dad and sister than they told him about. He had heard enough over time to realize, the McMahon's were a major crime family in Kansas City. It made Shane sick to his stomach. He just didn't know what he could do. He was just a law student, what power did he have to fight the mob?
As the McMahon meeting continued, things at the Orton mansion were happy. Randy had asked his personal chef to prepare T-bone steaks, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, salad and rolls with a triple chocolate cake for dessert.
Randy and his lieutenants enjoyed their delicious dinner. They celebrated outsmarting McMahon, with a little help from inside information.
Randy stood. He had a glass of 1959 Dom Pérignon at a cost of nearly $43,000 a bottle. He raised his full glass. "A toast, gentlemen. To our McMahon insider. May he continue to inform us." He raised his glass higher and took a small sip. He truly wasn't a big drinker.
The lieutenants stood, raised their glasses and sipped. When they were seated again, the meal continued.
Randy spoke. "I know we are celebrating, but we can't get complacent. We can't count on getting help again. I am thankful or tonight would have turned out very differently." He went from celebration to serious.
"Boss, if they had managed to grab Adam, what could we have done?" Ted DiBiase asked as he took a bite of food.
Randy guffawed. "Gotten him back of course. It might have taken a while. It wouldn't let my children suffer, knowing their daddy was missing. McMahon tread too close to The Code. If they would have gotten Adam and hurt him, they would have lost all face in the eyes of the other factions. McMahon can't afford to do that." Randy firmly spoke, and bit into his steak with a growl.
"I would have killed McMahon personally. Those kids are everything to us. To watch them suffer over their daddy..." Mike Mizanin also growled, he couldn't finish his words.
Randy reached over and caressed his lover's cheek. "I know, sweetheart. I know how much you love the babies." He spoke softly to Mike.
"Don't worry, Mizzie. Brett is looking out for them. We all love those four monkeys." Cody spoke with a firm nod of his head.
AJ Styles was the next to speak. "What I want to know his why he helped us? What does he have against McMahon?" He still couldn't get over who had warned them about the kidnap plot against Adam. It made no sense.
Randy gave a shrug as he chewed on a piece of steak. "I guess that's the billion dollar question. Oh, that reminds me, his name is never to be spoken. Our leak must never find out anything about this. If the time ever comes, and he calls for help, we will help him." He spoke with absolute authority.
"Absolutely, boss. By the way, did you notice the way that Irish bastard Bálor looked at your weapon? He was very nervous." John Morrison gave a bit of a laugh as he ate.
Randy laughed from his belly. "Yeah, I did. I thought he was gonna shit a brick. You also realize it means they don't have anything close to the firepower we have. Morrison, you just keep doing what your doing. We will be able to blow him out of the water, before we throw them in the river."
Randy's comment made everyone at the table laugh. "Don't you worry, boss. As the saying goes, you ain't seen nothin' yet. I have a shipment from father that will knock McMahon out of his boots." JoMo gave Randy a very wicked smirk.
"Just keep it to yourself, JoMo. With the leak, only you need to know the where and when." Zack Ryder warned in a serious tone.
"Don't worry, Zack. Even I don't know when. I will be informed when it arrives. My father hasn't stayed in business being stupid. Not meant as an insult, Zackie, it's just a fact..." JoMo was interrupted when Randy's cell phone signaled he had a text message.
Randy looked at his phone. "It's from Adam. It could be about the kids..." He opened the message, as he read, his expression went from worry to...happiness.
Randy looked at his lieutenants. "He and Dean are taking the kids to Worlds of Fun. Adam has invited me and Mike to meet up with them if we want. What do you think? Would it be safe?" Randy was both stunned and pleased. Adam had never randomly invited him like this. Maybe it was Dean's influence.
Ted nodded. "Of course, Brett will see to it. Especially if the children are there. Go Randy, enjoy your children."
Randy smiled at Ted. "Thanks, Teddy." He turned to Mike, "Sweetheart, you want to go?"
Mike grinned. "I would love it. James and I could ride on the Peanuts 500. He loves those little cars or even the taxi tour cars. He is tall enough to drive now." He loved going to Worlds of Fun especially with the kids.
"Alright then. I'll tell him yes. Ted, we will meet them at nine at the Season Pass entrance gate." Randy wrote a reply text as he spoke.
Ted sent his brother a text at the same time. "Codes, we can go too. I see your face. Don't worry, boss. You won't even know we are there. You know this one and amusement parks." He nodded to Cody.
Randy chuckled. "I don't care who goes, you know I love you guys, but let me have my family time. " He'd finished his text to Adam and hit send. He had no doubts, all his lieutenants would be there, and he also knew he would never see them.
At Adam's house, he and Dean were curled up on the couch in the family den. The children were upstairs, taking their baths. As a treat, he let them put on their swim suits and play in his huge tub. Ida was with them so Adam had no fears for his children.
Adam looked at his cell phone. "That was quick. Let's see what he said..." Adam opened the text and read it out loud.
"Would love to, thank you. Mike and I will meet you at nine at the Season Pass entrance gate. Adam, thank you. It means a lot to me that you asked us. I am looking forward to it." Adam finished reading.
Adam replied to the text. "Wonderful. It will be fun. See you at nine." He pressed send and pocketed his phone.
Dean gave Adam a soft kiss. "You gonna tell the little lions?" He was glad when Adam had the idea to invite Randy. He felt it was good for the quads.
Adam laid his head on Dean's shoulder. "No. I don't want to make them happy, then have Randy cancel. It's happened before. He doesn't do it to be mean. I've thought about it a lot lately. He needs more time with them, he misses so much, like losing teeth. I'm also very pleased that you encourage it. Not many would be so selfless. They wouldn't want the ex-husband around. Dean Ambrose, I truly love you." He smiled and returned Dean's kiss.
Dean pulled Adam closer. "He is their father, why would it bother me? As you will continue learn, I'm not like other guys. I care about you and those four little people upstairs. Nothing in this world matters more to me than your happiness and theirs. That is what makes me happy. I love you, Adam. More than I think you realize. As for not telling them, you're right. It would spoil the day if they knew and Randy had to cancel. Even I could get called away. They will learn that's what happens sometimes when you're a doctor. But, this weekend, John is on call so it will be alright. Guess we'd better go rescue Ida."
Adam whined. "But I'm comfy..." He sighed, gave Dean another kiss, then stood. He pulled Dean up. Together they went upstairs.
When they got to the bathroom, the kids were playing hid the fish with Ida. Ida had a small, plastic fish. When the kids closed their eyes, she hid the fish. Behind a towel or under a patch of bubbles. Sometimes she put it behind the bottles of shampoo, body wash and conditioner on the back corner of the tub.
"Okay, open." Ida said with a laugh.
The children opened their eyes and began to look for the tiny plastic fish. As they looked, Ida would say warm, hot or cold. Cold meant they looked in the wrong place. Warm meant they were close and hot meant they were very close.
They were having a difficult time locating the tiny fish. "Here?" Jade looked under a wash cloth. She frowned, it wasn't there.
"Cold." Ida replied with a laugh. She winked at Adam and Dean when they entered the bathroom. She leaned on the tub with one hand and watched the kids look.
"I know! It's in Miss Ida's hand! It's touching the tub, so it's fair!" James cried out as he looked at Miss Ida's hand.
Ida grinned and opened her hand. "Hot! Well done Mister James." She gave him the fish.
Adam picked up a towel. "Thanks, Miss Ida. We can handle it from here. You go and put your feet up for the night." He gave the housekeeper a kiss on the cheek.
"I'll do that. Thank you for the weekend off, too. I will see you in the morning." Ida gave both Adam and Dean a motherly pat on the shoulder, then went downstairs to her apartment off the kitchen.
"Come on little lions, time to get out." Dean reached over and raised the leaver to drain the tub. He lifted Jade out of the tub, then Jan. The boys climbed out by themselves, under Dean's close eye.
"Peel out." Adam told his daughters as he held a bath sheet up to hide them from the boys. Dean did the same for James and Jordan.
When the children were dry, they slipped into their nightgowns and pajamas. Soon all four clean, dry children were on Adam's bed, ready for Dean to read to them.
"Well, what now? We finished Oz." Jade asked as they leaned against Adam, who sat behind them on the huge bed.
"How about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?" Dean took out the book he'd hidden under his pillow.
"Oh! Yes! Please! Yeah!" Four voices called out as they saw the book
Dean laughed, opened the book and began to read the wonderful story.
While Dean read, over at the McMahon mansion, two men spoke. Stephanie had told them they could use the den for their conversation.
Justin and Drake sat on a leather love seat. They had glasses of iced tea to sip on as they spoke. They needed a plan.
"Drake, I'm sorry I spat your name out like that to Adam. I had to think of something to say. I honestly do find you handsome." Justin spoke with a smile.
Drake smiled at Justin. "Don't worry about it, Justin. Why do you think I came up with the idea? I find you handsome too." He truly did think Justin was rather hot. Maybe it could lead to something.
Justin blushed a bit. "Thank you. It is a good idea. Adam and Dean would be open to another couple as friends. There is no threat in it. You know what I mean. Adam won't think you are trying to win Dean back."
"Exactly what I thought of. There was no way I was going to get Adam away from Dean. They are totally in love with one another. Now, we can't go into this as a couple. We have to build up to it. I'll arrange to have lunch in the break room when you're there. I'll do a bit of flirting." Drake laid out his idea.
Justin nodded in approval. "That's good. I wouldn't put it past Adam to play matchmaker. I guess my big mouth will pay off. Maybe we can even get to the point we will be invited to Adam's house. We could even be able to plant listening devices." Justin gave Drake a wink.
"You are pure genius, Justin. I never thought of that. Do you know what that would mean? We would have first hand information on Orton's activities." Drake spoke with excitement in his voice.
Justin gave a laugh. "I know. But we have to be smart. We can't give anything away."
"I may sound overly excited, but don't worry. I will keep my head. You were also smart to think of getting put on the day shift. But, let me give you a bit of advice. Watch out for Seth Reigns. I don't mean he is bad, just extremely protective of his friends. He can have a vicious mouth, trust me, I know first hand." Drake let out a sigh. Seth had raked him over the coals more than once about Dean.
Justin gave Drake a look. "Ah, yes. You and Doctor Ambrose were together once. Seth growl at you?" His brow arched at Drake.
Drake gave a wry chuckle. "More than once. Seth is married to Roman Reigns who is Dean's best friend. So that…well, he's protective of both. Also remember, Seth is pregnant. So add his hormones, and well..."
"A very protective mamma bear? Don't worry, I will tread carefully. To be honest, I like Adam, as a fellow nurse. He is excellent. But, don't worry about that either, I know what our goal is. It might take a bit of time, but we will get Adam in our grasp. Then we can choke the life out of Randal Orton." Justin gave Drake a firm nod with a serious tone of voice.
Drake gave an evil laugh. "Then I can swoop in and give Dean the comfort. I can't wait...then I can crush his heart and soul. He deserves it."
"I take it your break up with Ambrose was harsh. Don't let revenge cloud your judgment. That's when things get dangerous. Keep your eyes on the target; destroying Orton." Justin gave Drake a pat on the shoulder. He knew he would have to keep a tight hand on Drake's reins.
Drake let out a sigh, there was a bit of sadness behind it. "Yeah, you're right. I can't let the past get to me. I think you're going to be a good friend. You have a calming nature." He smiled softly at Justin.
Justin ducked his head a bit "Thank you. I guess it comes from being a nurse. You have to be calm with children, especially sick and hurt ones..." He paused and let out a sigh of his own, then spoke again.
"It's going to be another long, boring weekend. There is a lot to see and do around Kansas City, but it's no fun to go alone." Justin sighed again. He did miss his friends.
Drake grinned. "How would you like to check out Worlds of Fun tomorrow? As friends? We could just let our hair down, so to speak. Give us a chance to make more plans and relax before Monday. I have a season pass, and I can bring one guest. Would you like that?" He looked at Justin with hope.
Justin truly smiled. "Yes, I would like that very much. I do enjoy a good amusement park. Thanks, Drake. I do miss my friends back in South Africa. It will be nice not to spend so much time alone. What time?" Justin spoke with true happiness.
"The park opens at nine, so I will pick you up at eight thirty. We won't have to wait in the long line to get in. They have a Season Pass Entrance Gate. We can have breakfast when we get there." Drake also spoke with a smile. He did find Justin handsome. Maybe all this would actually lead to something between them.
Justin gave a nod. He pulled out his cell phone. "Better set my alarm now. I am terrible at getting up after a week of the night shift. Drake, thanks. I will look forward to this. It is nice to have a friend again."
Drake watched Justin set the alarm on his cell phone. The man had a graceful touch to his fingers. He quickly erased the dirty thoughts from his mind.
"I will admit something, Justin. I too, am rather tired of not having a friend to do things with. Most of the friends I had, sided with Dean. I don't speak to anyone I knew at Truman anymore either. Well, I guess we'd better go to our condos and get some sleep. I will see you in the morning." Drake stood. He politely helped Justin up off the couch.
The two parted company. Little did they know, Stephanie had listened to their entire conversation. She pulled out her cell phone.
"Barrett, gather Finn, Drew, Sheamus and Cesaro. You are going to Worlds of Fun tomorrow. I want you to keep an eye on Drake and Justin. They are too valuable to be left unguarded. And Wade, don't let them see you. They might think we don't trust them when I only want them safe. Be at WOF at nine. Expenses will be covered…yes, thank you, Wade…yes, call if you need backup...goodnight, Wade." Stephanie ended her call. She had to keep Drake and Justin safe. They were key to the downfall of Randal Orton.
Shane McMahon heard everything as well. What was going on? He had to find out. Shane decided a day at Worlds of Fun would be perfect. Maybe he could find out what was really going on.