It took Shane McMahon a moment to realize where he was when he woke up on Monday morning. He'd slept better than he thought he would too. Shane was grateful to be where he was. He knew his sister wouldn't hesitate to kill him, if she knew he was the one who had bugged the conference room, or found out about the notebook.
Shane wasn't sure what was going to happen. He knew he would be missed, and it also put an end to the work at the hospital on the puppet show. He hoped Adam or Seth would keep up with the idea.
Shane looked around the Helmsley's safe room. He knew it was somewhere underground. There was a kitchen/living room area, a separate full bathroom and one bedroom with four deluxe camp cots. Shane also knew the water and electric were separate from the main house lines. There was a flat screen TV, but no computer access or telephone. Also, there was no cell reception.
Shane didn't mind. Shawn promised him a new set of law school books so he could study. Hunter said he would work something out with Harvard, when school started again next month. No one was sure how long he would have to stay hidden.
When Shane had offered to go back and try to bug the conference room again, it had made Shawn nearly cry with pride. Hunter and Bret said absolutely not. It wasn't worth Shane's life. They assured Shane that his testimony would shatter the Kansas City underworld. They praised him for his bravery and willingness to destroy his own father and sister.
When Shane explained why, it broke Shawn's heart. He promised Shane that he was now part of their family. He would always have a room to come home to during college breaks. Shawn also promised Shane would have a job at Helmsley and Associates. Shane felt more parental love from Shawn and Hunter in a few hours than he'd felt in his entire life from his own father.
Only one thing bothered Shane; the danger the Helmsley's could be in. They had introduced him to Nancy Wilson, but Megan would have no idea he was there. Nancy would bring him food, when she could, but for the most part, Shane would live on the dehydrated food. However, he had milk, cereal, fresh fruit, cheese, bread and some hamburger for later. Nancy had given it to him just before he was locked in.
Shane McMahon wasn't sure what would happen or how long it would take. He only knew one thing, he'd told the truth and his father and sister would face the consequences.
Later that morning, Adam tipped the grocery boys that helped him load the shopping into the Kia. He had a lot on his mind. He wasn't sure why Hunter wanted to see him, alone at the Wood Springs Suites, their old meeting place.
It also bothered him that Hunter had firmly told him not to tell anyone, not Dean, not Ida. Adam knew it was Detective Helmsley, not his ex-lover, Hunter that had called. It also puzzled Adam that Hunter had told him not to say anything into the phone. Hunter had told him to act like it was telemarketer. Adam had no earthly idea what was going on.
Adam and Ida unloaded the groceries and put them away. At twelve thirty, Adam followed Hunter's other instructions.
"Ida, I've got to run a few more errands. I am going to the usual in Independence. I should be home in time, but if not, please pick up the kids. I actually want to do some shopping at the Independence Center." Adam gave Ida a childlike look.
Ida smiled. "Honey, go. You never do enough for you. Buy something really nice, expensive and impractical. I'll pick them up, you pamper yourself. Dean would love it." She gave Adam a motherly pat on the cheek.
Adam kissed Ida's cheek. "I will. It will be nice for a change. I love you, dear Ida."
"I love you, son. Now, go." Ida gave him a playful swat and pushed him out the door.
Adam drove to the hotel. He parked next to Hunter's unmarked police car, like Hunter had told him. He went to room 2112, also as instructed. Adam lightly knocked on the door.
When Hunter opened the door, he fairly pulled Adam into the room. That didn't shock Adam. What shocked him was the fact that Hunter wasn't alone.
"Give your keys to Jason. Don't worry, he will bring your car back after we're done." Hunter spoke in a firm voice.
Adam smiled. "Okay. Hi Jay, long time no see." Jay took the keys and left, after he gave Adam a smile and a nod. For now, there was no time for small talk.
When Hunter led Adam into the bedroom of the suite, his legs nearly went out from under him. Chief Bret Hart, Shawn and Dean were in the room.
"What the fuck is going on, Hunter? Why I am I suddenly in a bad spy movie?" Adam was so shocked, he just stood there.
Dean spoke. "Come here, baby. You'll understand soon enough. Adam, no matter what, I am here, and not going anywhere. I love you." He gently pulled Adam down onto the bed and wrapped his arms around the blond.
Adam looked from Shawn to Bret to Hunter. Lastly, his hazel eyes focused on Dean. "I love you, Dean. Please tell me. I'm...scared." Adam looked to his lover with real fear.
Shawn spoke first. Everyone knew, that Adam was more likely to listen to his father figure. "Honey, this is probably going to be the worst moment of your life. Just know, that everything humanly possible will be done to keep you safe. Dean has sworn to support you. Lean on him."
Hunter picked up the notebook. "Bret and I feel it is best if you read this first. Dean has already read it. I will also tell you, it is from an extremely reliable source. He risked his life to give us this information, and he his now under police protection. Adam, all I can say is, we know you are no way involved, but there will be questions later. Read." He handed Adam Shane's notebook. Hunter braced himself for the reaction to come.
Adam's hand trembled as he took the book from Hunter. He opened it and began to read. He felt Dean's arm tighten around him.
Back at Adam's house, Ida Brown also followed a set of instructions, Hunter had given her over the telephone. He'd told Ida to act like she spoke to a friend about their next bridge game.
Hunter had instructed Ida to suddenly remember they had forgotten to get some potatoes from the grocery store. He told her not to set the alarm when she left. Hunter assured Ida the house would be safe by the time she returned home with the kids. She was not to say a word to Adam about the call. Hunter emphasized the life of Adam and the children depended on it. He also promised Ida she would understand soon and to trust him.
Ida did everything as Hunter instructed. She even went so far as to actually go the store and buy a bag of potatoes.
Ida was worried, not for herself, but for Adam, the children and Dean. Whatever it was, it had to be terrible. She trusted Hunter and knew whatever he did was for their safety. She decided to go visit her mom until it was time to pick up the children from Saint Luke's Academy.
It was perfectly normal to see a long haired blond pull the Kia into the garage. The garage door of Adam's house closed. Four men got up from the floorboard of Adam's car. In the safety of the closed, windowless garage, Jason Reso-Hart pulled off the long, blond wig and waited in the Kia. He took a deep breath, the wig had made him sweat.
One of the four men opened the door that led to Adam's kitchen. He held an electronic device in his hand. He pushed a button and waited as a light went from red to green. When the light turned green, the four men entered the kitchen.
If Drew McIntyre had been in front of his computer, monitoring Adam's house, he would have seen the camera in the kitchen go static. It had happened when the light had turned green on the device in the hand of the man in Adam's kitchen.
By the time sixty minutes had passed, every camera square on Drew's computer went black. The men Hunter and Bret had hired privately, through a connection from Jason, had completely debugged Adam's house. They had also installed a device in every single room that would scramble any other bugs if they were planted. Adam's house was now safe from electronic invasion.
The good thing was, the anti-bug devices were so advanced, they would not interfere with electronic devices already in the house, such as computers, television or the controls to the panic room.
When the four men were finished, they set the alarm system for Adam's house with another device that detected the code. They returned to the Kia and once again hid. Jason put the blond wig back on, and pulled out of the garage.
Not even Brett DiBiase knew anything odd had happened. He'd seen Adam return, then leave again. It was normal on Adam's day off to see the Kia come and go several times. If he had known what was really going on in the house, he probably would have helped the four men.
At the McMahon mansion, Drew McIntyre returned to the computer. He'd gone to get a sandwich and a cup of coffee. He'd been working on the audio for the camera's in Adam's house. He'd managed to fix three and had four more to go. The problem was, each camera had a different issue. At least all the video was good, and Orton would know his family was watched.
Drew sat down and looked at his computer. "Fuck!" He cried out at the top of his voice.
Wade and Finn heard Drew's yell. They went up to the conference room, Drew's head was in his hands. His body shook with rage.
"Drew, what's wrong?" Wade asked as he laid a hand on the Scotsman's shoulder.
Drew pointed to the computer. "It's gone! The damn cameras are fuckin' gone!"
Finn looked at the computer. He knew quite a bit about computers himself. "Are they gone, or is it a glitch?" Finn knew systems could glitch and badly, especially from such small devices.
Drew looked at Finn. "No, Finn. They are gone, as in removed. But how the fuck did that blond bitch find them? Drake did a perfect job when he placed them."
Wade and Finn sat down. "Could someone have told him?" Wade asked, brow arched.
Drew sighed. "Who? Who would have told him? Drake hates Adam because of that Doctor and Justin is loyal beyond reproach. What the fuck is Stephanie going to say?"
Finn shrugged. "She won't be happy. I have an idea. She's going to have to keep Justin on the day shift with Adam and get that fuckin' bitch to talk."
Wade nodded. "Good idea, Finn. Adam likes Justin. I do know one thing, wait till she gets home. This isn't the type of thing to tell her when she is at work."
Drew banged his fist on the table. "She is gonna be furious. But yeah, we'll tell her after work. You'd also better warn Sheamus and Cesaro. Justin and Drake will be here later too." He sighed, it was going to be a long, horrible night.
Back at the hotel, Dean gently rubbed Adam's wrists as Shawn ran a cool cloth over Adam's face. Adam had passed out cold after reading the notebook. Nobody in the room blamed him.
Just as Adam began to rouse, Jason entered the room. He had the keys to Adam's Kia in his hand. Jason kissed his husband.
"The house is clean. The guys are on their way back to Canada. They said thank you again for the bonus. They also said the house is now bug proofed. It's totally safe from electronic invasion." Jason spoke softly to his husband and Hunter as Dean and Shawn tended to Adam, who now sat up.
Bret smiled at his beloved husband. "Thank you, babe. Another job well done. I wish you would come back full time, I need you."
Hunter chuckled. "We sure do. You're the best special detective I've ever seen. Your CIA training from the Air Force is priceless.
Jason had entered the Air Force when he moved to the US from Canada, under a college program. He was chosen for an elite special training course because of his extreme intelligence. Part of that training came from the CIA and FBI. He had been a military policeman. After six years he left the Air Force. Jason eventually met Bret and went to work in Kansas City as a Detective. He semi-retired when he and Bret married 15 years ago. He still helped on cases when needed, like this one.
"Nope, I am happy. I will help where I can. Adam is a nice guy." Jason sat on the floor and was worried.
Adam sipped from the glass of water Dean held. "Breathe, baby. I know you've just had a terrible shock. Drink." He held the glass to Adam's lips. Adam shook so much he couldn't even hold the glass.
Adam finished the glass of water. "Dean? My children..." He couldn't talk his teeth rattled so hard.
Hunter spoke up. "Ida will take care of them. The house is safe, Adam. I promise. It's so safe, I would let Meggie Pops stay there alone."
"That's saying something, honey. He barely likes having her upstairs if we are downstairs. If Hunter, Bret, and Jason say it's safe, then it's safe." Shawn rubbed Adam's back.
Adam took a breath and centered himself. "Alright, I'm...okay. I trust you. Hunter, this is Randy? My ex-husband, father of my children? Randal Orton is a...a...mafia boss? Randy has killed people? What…how...oh hell..." He sank back against Dean. His whole world had just done a quadruple flop.
"Unfortunately, yes. As Hunter told you, we know the informant is utterly trustworthy, beyond any doubts. Adam we do have to ask you a few questions. Can you handle it?" Bret Hart asked in a soft voice.
Adam gave a half-hearted shrug. "I guess, but apparently I don't even know that man I once loved and trusted." He moved closer to Dean, his heart and strength.
Hunter took over. "You told me about Del Rio. He was one of McMahon's men. Did you ever tell Randy about him? How he flirted with you?"
"No, never. I just thought he was a new guy in the area, hunting for a date. He was nice, but, there was a creepy feeling to him. Dean knew, but not Randy. Unless one of the kids mentioned it. Hunter...they...you can't question them. I do know, they are never going to be alone with him again. Just when we had started to try to do more things as a family...oh fuck...Jordan...Worlds of Fun! That was all...I can't, I just can't!" Adam bolted out of the room and went to the bathroom. They heard the door shut, and the lock click.
Dean looked at Hunter. "He doesn't realize he has to treat Randy like normal. If he cuts off the visitation…no telling what would happen. For the first time in my life, I have no idea what to do. How in the hell do I help him?" Dean looked like a lost soul.
Shawn laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Be there for him and the children. Adam can be stubborn, especially if his children are at risk. If nothing else is true, Randy is a good father to the quads. He would never harm them. You read about the revenge he took on McIntyre for taking Jordan. Randy will do anything to keep them safe. Right or wrong, that's the hard, sad part." He sighed. He had to stop thinking about the Randy he thought he knew.
Dean nodded. "He's not the Randy you all knew. Don't worry, I am not going anywhere. Adam needs me, the kids need me and I need them. I would marry him right this minute if I could."
"You would?" Adam asked from the bedroom door. He'd heard most of what Shawn had said and all of what Dean had said.
Dean looked at Adam. "Yes, I would; without even a blink. This is so far from what I planned, but Adam, will you marry me?" Dean pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it. There was a sapphire ring in the box. It was oval shaped with diamonds around it, on a silver band. It was a much smaller version of the engagement ring of Princess Diana.
For a moment, Adam's world turned back around. "Yes! I will! Oh Dean, it's beautiful." He looked at the ring as Dean slipped it on to his left ring finger.
Dean kissed the back of Adam's hand. "It was Cathy's. She told me to give it to the one I loved most in the world. She said it would lead her to be their guardian angel. You are the only one I would share her with. I love you, Adam."
Adam's tears flowed freely. "I love you, Dean. I will guard this ring with my life. I need you now, more than ever, and so do the children. Hold me, just hold me." Adam fell into Dean's arms, it was his rainbow after a storm.
Shawn, Hunter, Bret and Jason all had tears in their eyes. Something so beautiful and loved filled in the middle of absolute chaos.
Hunter also knew, Dean would be the one Adam would turn to. Adam wouldn't have to wait for a secret moment with him, to find a few all too brief moments of comfort. It was a huge relief and it lifted his shoulders.
Shawn watched his husband. He saw a great burden lift from from Hunter's shoulders. He knew his husband was finally free from any last hold Adam might have had on him. He also realized Dean would now, always be the first one Adam would turn to for...everything. It was a role Shawn was happy to hand to Dean, but It was also a role he hated to give up. Shawn had been the main one in Adam's life since he was 15 years old. The same age as his own child. Shawn was happy for Adam. It was a huge relief.
Adam realized where he was. His face flushed when he saw the near tears in the eyes of Hunter, Shawn, Bret and Jason.
"I am glad you all saw this, Dean, there are four of the world's most reliable witnesses in this room. You can't back out now. Besides, if you did, Hunter would kill you…" Adam suddenly changed. He went from happy to lost.
Adam sighed and spoke again. "Like Randy...what the fuck am I going to do? How do I treat Randy like normal? How do I just hand over my children?" He sank onto the bed. All happiness was erased from his face.
Dean sat down next to Adam and pulled his now future husband into his arms. "It will be alright. Trust Hunter, he would ever put the little lions in danger." He smiled softly when Adam nuzzled tighter against him.
Hunter also sat on the bed, close to Adam. He wanted Adam to be able to look him in the eye and know only the truth would be spoken.
"Adam, I need to ask you a question. I've asked it before, but now, I want the true answer." Hunter arched his brow at Adam. The look was one that told Adam, Hunter was serious.
Adam nodded. "I will, Hunter. I promise."
"Adam, have you ever seen Dean's surgical skills in person?" Hunter asked the same question he'd asked weeks ago. He had a feeling there and now, Adam's answer would confirm a few things.
Adam sighed. "Yeah, I have. I actually helped him..." He went on to tell about the night Randy had been in the bar fight and how Dean had to stitch Randy's wound.
"…I didn't tell you because I didn't want Randy to be in trouble because of his IED issues. You know how he is. I am sorry, I didn't think it was...no, it was a lie. I never lie like that, but I was trying to protect the father of my children. I'm sorry, Hunter. Maybe if I'd told the truth then, people would still be alive." Adam leaned against Dean. He needed his fiancé's quiet strength.
Hunter shook his head. "No, Adam. It wouldn't have made any difference. By the time I read the police report on the bar fight, Alberto Del Rio was already dead."
Dean was curious "There was a police report? Randy and Mike both said no cops were called."
Bret Hart spoke up. "The bar owner called after the fact. There was damage to the establishment. He needed a police report for the insurance. There were a couple of patrons who were willing to talk. They said Del Rio struck first. He also stated several men..." He was interrupted when Adam let out a sudden shout. Adam was in shock again.
"I just...no, no, no!" Adam broke out of Dean's grasp. He ran to the bathroom again. The sound of retching into the toilet could be heard.
Dean got up and rushed to Adam's side. "Adam?" He knelt down next to Adam and held the long, blond pony tail out of the way.
Adam threw up till he dry heaved. He leaned back against the wall and took deep breaths. Dean wet a wash cloth and gently cleaned Adam's face and beard. After he dried Adam's face, he pulled out a box of mints.
Adam managed to stand and went to the sink and rinsed his mouth out well. He took the mint and popped it into his mouth.
"Adam? What brought this on?" Dean held Adam between his knees as he sat on the vanity and held Adam close.
"Dean…Drake and Justin...I was so focused on Randy...then it hit me. It was Drake who bugged the house while Justin distracted us. My god...how fucking deep does this go? Not only do I have to deal with the Randy shit, I have to deal with the Drake and Justin shit…." Adam gasped, his eyes flew open wide.
"What now? Sick again?" Dean was so worried, angry and concerned he didn't know what was what.
"It explains a lot of questions Justin asked. Now I realize he was trying to get me to tell him about Doctor Dreamer. They probably want to hurt him for getting Megan's pump. It wrecked their plan for Drake getting one to be the hero. Dean, lets go. I want to grab the kids and Ida, go to Vegas, get married and fade into the sunset. Please Dean, oh please. Take us away." Adam had never spoken so earnestly in his entire life.
Dean pulled Adam closer. "I would love that, but I don't think it's possible. Adam, quit your job. You'd be away from everything, you don't have to work. I can easily provide for you, the children and Ida. I have a very hefty savings plan. That's why I always lived cheap. I have an idea, you could come work at my private practice. Miss Vesta has been hinting at wanting to retire. You will still be helping children. I will transfer hospitals too. I can go to Children's Mercy, it's closer to home too." Dean spoke with equal earnest. He wanted Adam away from St. Luke's.
Adam looked at Dean. "No, Dean. I will not leave Seth alone at Saint Luke's." He was firm voiced and grim faced.
"He can come to the clinic too. He will have full benefits. It would also be less stressful for him and the baby. I can increase my private practice. Adam, it's the perfect solution, and with our engagement, wouldn't raise questions. It makes sense that I would want you to run the clinic. Adam, think about it. I am very serious. I know Roman would love to have Seth in a less stressful job. It isn't running into the sunset, but it gets you away and out from under McMahon." Dean again spoke in earnest.
Adam looked at Dean. "Let me speak to Seth. If he agrees, then yes, I would love that. We'd better get back, we need to get home to the kids soon." He playfully pulled Dean off the vanity. The couple kissed, then went to join the others.
Both Dean and Adam explained in full detail about their conversation. Dean finished. "...so, it really wouldn't raise unwanted questions. Makes sense that I would want my future husband working with me. It would also make sense that Adam would want someone he trusts with him, like Seth. As I said, Roman would love to have Seth under less stress." Dean ended with a nod.
"Bret?" Hunter nodded for the Police Chief to follow him into the main room. They needed to talk. Jay got up and went to make coffee in the kitchen area.
Shawn spoke to the couple. "Dean, I think that is a wonderful thing. I will handle anything legal that comes up. I represent Seth as well. You don't need to worry about a notice either. You can just call and quit. The worst that will happen is you lose your last month's pay in lieu of notice, same for Seth. That's nothing compared to working under McMahon would mean. I will make sure Roman gets extra for the month." He spoke with absolute confidence.
Adam nodded. "I figured. I don't want to know, but I really hope the informant is truly safe. One day, I hope I can thank him or her."
"He is very safe. I promise...oh, thank you, Jay." Shawn smiled when Jason came into the room with a tray of paper coffee cups, filled with fresh brewed coffee. After all, the department paid for use of the room.
"Thanks." Adam and Dean spoke at the same time as they were handed their cups of coffee.
Hunter and Bret returned. "Adam, call Seth right now and tell him to quit and why. We agree, getting you both out is the best."
Adam frowned. "But, I'll have to go get my stuff in my locker."
"No. I'll do it tonight. I am going to prepare dismissals and transfers for my patients. I will go in, leave the papers, and clean out my office. I will get yours and Seth's things. I'll leave a note for John. He's been talking about leaving. Children's Mercy will welcome us. Don't worry, it will be a long night, but trust me, tomorrow, Saint Luke's Hospital will be a distant memory." Dean spoke with a firm nod. He knew the Administrator of Children's very well. Steve Austin, who though a kind and gentle doctor, was also as tough as a rattlesnake. He would be all for it.
"Good. Dean, Jason will go with you, just in case. Call this number when you leave and he will be at the corner of Gladstone and Sunrise." Bret gave Dean a nod.
Hunter spoke again. "Adam, Dean this is the hardest part. Randy must not see any and I mean any change in either of you. You keep in your head, he is the father of the quads, nothing changes that. We have so much more investigating to do before any arrests can be made. We aren't talking days, we are talking weeks and weeks. You're going to have to remember, Randy will not let anything or anyone, harm one hair on their heads. Adam, if you don't, the case will fail before we can even get started. Adam, trust me on this, please?" Hunter gave Adam a pleading look.
"Baby, trust Hunter, Bret, Shawn, Jason and me. Randy needs to fall, you know that. I will be here to help. But now, do as Hunter asks. Randy is just Randy for now." Dean wanted Adam to know, it would be alright.
Adam looked from Hunter, to Shawn, to Bret, to Jason and back to Dean. He saw the same in each pair of eyes. Adam knew what he had to do.
Adam nodded. "Alright, for now, Randy is just Randy, father of the kids. Now..." He pulled out his cell phone. Seth was also off today.
Adam punched Seth's number. "Hey Sethie...fine...listen to me, very carefully..."