Adam wandered around the house and felt rather lost. Dean had gone to Children's Mercy Hospital to make sure his patients from Saint Luke's would arrive safely. Then he was going to his private practice till noon.
Dean had told Adam, Vesta had four weeks left in her contract. In two weeks, Adam and Seth would start learning the office from Vesta, then take over.
Adam honestly didn't mind, just needed to get used to it, and find something to do. Otherwise he would spend too much time dwelling on Randy and everyone and everything else in the notebook.
"Adam, honey. Why don't you make some wedding plans. Vegas sounds wonderful. I'd love to be there, but you do understand, don't you?" Ida gave Adam a cup of coffee with a worried look.
Adam smiled. "Of course, Ida dear. I know you need to be with your mother for as long as she remembers. Ida just…nothing can take away your memories. She will remember too, deep in her heart. You will be able to see the wedding, most places take video, some even live stream."
Ida had explained that she loved being invited, but, her mother was getting worse. She felt she couldn't risk losing a weekend with her. Dean and Adam told her they fully understood and would do the same in her shoes.
Adam nodded. "I will do that. I'll be in Randy's old office, I gave Dean mine." He took his coffee and went to Randy's old office across from the adult den.
He sat down in the leather chair. Adam thought it felt a bit like being in Randy's lap, a feeling he once loved. Adam made a note to buy a new chair, as quickly as possible.
Adam looked around the room. Nothing of Randy's was there. He couldn't help but wonder, while sitting in this very chair, how many deaths or other crimes Randy had ordered. Adam unplugged his laptop and took it to the kitchen. He would redo Randy's office to make it his own.
Ida smiled when Adam sat at the kitchen table. She brought Adam another cup of coffee. "Here, son. Should I call the decorator?" She understood, or what she thought she understood. The memories of Randy were just too strong.
Adam chuckled. "Yes, please. I have that account for house stuff. I do need an office sometimes. You're much better company, just tell me if you need me to move."
Ida picked up the laundry basket. "You're fine. You can help me fold later." She went to the wash room to start the first of seven loads.
Adam gave Ida a wave and lost himself in Las Vegas wedding chapels. All thoughts of Randy melted, his ring caught the glitter of the sun as he typed away. It was a wonderful feeling.
Dean stood outside of Saint Luke's in the ambulance loading bay. He'd arranged for three ambulances to transport his six patients to Mercy. He wanted to make sure Stephanie McMahon didn't make trouble for the parents. The parents stood with Doctor Ambrose and waited for their children.
"Doctor Ambrose, thank you. We have heard that Mercy is much better. But, we'd follow you to County. You always put the children first." One of the father's had been chosen to speak for all the parents.
Dean smiled. "The children are first. I just had a good offer from Doctor Austin, that will allow me more time at my private practice. That means better after care for your children, and others."
"That's wonderful. Thank you again, Doctor A. That's what Sally calls you." The father laughed as did the other parents.
Dean gave a scoff when Drake Younger came out to the ambulance bay. "They are almost ready. Doctor Cena is making sure everything is in order, as you requested." Drake spoke to Dean with a terse tone.
"Thank you, Mister Younger. I wanted to make sure nothing gets held up." Dean replied just as tersely.
"Doctor Ambrose, could I have a private word, please?" Drake smiled at Dean and moved away from the parents.
Dean internally rolled his eyes. He figured this would happen. Dean went to where Drake stood, anxious to get it over with.
As Drake opened his mouth to speak, Dean raised his hand to stop him. "Austin made me an offer, I took it. I can finally increase my private practice. All I have to do at Mercy is rounds and surgery. I asked Adam to take over running my practice it's better for him, and the kids. He wanted Seth and Seth jumped on it. Easier work while pregnant. What else do you want me to say? You know my life goes fast. It was just like when I left Truman to be here twenty four hours later. Hey, it will be good for Justin. He will make a good charge nurse. By the way, you and Justin make a handsome couple. Maybe he will give you what you needed, that I never could." Dean spoke honestly. It was if he didn't know who Drake and Justin really were.
Drake nodded. "Guess you did know what I was going to ask. Congratulations on your engagement. Adam is perfect for you. Yes, Justin...is...yes. I do like him a lot. I will try not to mess up so much this time. I'd even like to have kids. Well, good luck. It was good to…heal old wounds." He held out his hand, a true smile on his face.
Dean shook Drake's hand. "Yes, it was, Drake. I'm glad you're trying to be how you used to be. Keep it up, that Drake was a fantastic guy. Good luck with Justin. Hope you have kids one day. See you around."
No more could be said. The first two children had arrived to be transferred. Drake went back inside. Dean's words had confirmed the email to Stephanie. If there was more to him, Adam and Seth leaving, Dean didn't let it show. Drake went to find Justin.
John Cena came out with the last two patients. "Dean, do you think I should talk to Austin? I just hate leaving Brock. We'd be on different shifts again if I went to Mercy." He wasn't sure what to do.
Dean looked around. They were alone as the last ambulance drove away He pulled John in closer and spoke in a near whisper.
"I can't say, but, you will know eventually. Get out of Saint Luke's, trust me. You will understand. Brock should talk to Steve, Mercy needs a cardiologist with a strong pediatric background. You won't regret it." Dean gave John Cena a very serious look.
John looked at Dean. "That bad? Alright, Brock and I will talk to Steve Austin. Dean...McMahon is going to fall, isn't he?"
Dean just nodded. Another ambulance had pulled up to transfer another patient, only this one was going to a nursing home.
John went back inside. He needed to talk to Brock. If McMahon was going to fall, St. Luke's would be in chaos.
Dean headed for his Mustang. He turned and looked at St. Luke's for the last time. With satisfaction, he drove off to get his patients settled in at Children's Mercy Hospital. in the distance, Jason Hart followed. He relaxed, his job was done for now. Dean was safely away from St. Luke's.
Stephanie McMahon watched Dean Ambrose drive away. She knew they just lost one of the best physicians in the city, and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it. It felt like the rug was being pulled out from under her in slow motion.
Justin Gabriel and Drake Younger sat in the break room. Justin was now the charge nurse. He was tired, he didn't yet have a second RN to help. So he had two wings to look after. No matter what, to Justin, the sick children came first.
"Poor baby, put your feet up." Drake pulled Justin's feet into his lap.
Justin grinned. "Thanks. Stephanie is interviewing nurses today. I don't blame Adam for leaving, but I wish they had stayed until they could be replaced. I take it Ambrose said nothing new?" He took a deep sip of coffee.
"Nothing. I believe him. As he reminded me, it was nearly the same way he left Truman for here. He does move fast. Being six patients down will help you till a new nurse arrives…" Drake leaned in closer to speak softly. "Will you stay a nurse or..." He arched has brow at his new lover and boyfriend.
Justin nodded. "It does help, but it sure hit the hospital in the pocketbook. I wish I could...be myself, but the kids need me as a nurse. Now we need to figure out a way to stay socially involved with Dean and Adam. I know they liked having us around. We need to find out who gave Dean that insulin pump." He spoke in a thought filled tone of voice.
Drake swallowed his sip of coffee. "I know Dean. We will have to give him a few days. Adam will be the one to deal with. That's your department. Maybe you can meet him for coffee, tell him you have some questions about work. That can lead to a more social invitation. We will talk about it later." He stopped when a couple of LPN's and Aides came into the break room.
At the Helmsley's house, Hunter and Chief Hart spoke with Shane McMahon. Shane happily ate the fast food Bret had brought for him.
"Fanks, Thet." Shane tried to speak with a very full mouth of double cheeseburger.
Both Hunter and Bret laughed. Bret spoke. "Glad you like it. You eat, but listen. Hunter needs to speak to you. I've got to go. This was risky enough. I just wanted to say, if you agree to what Hunter has to say, you will be safe. So, listen carefully. If you say no, it won't matter. Take care." Bret left. Hunter went with Bret to let him out of the room.
Shane ate his food and wondered what Bret meant. He'd find out soon, Hunter had returned with a sandwich from Nancy.
"Let's eat first." Hunter raised his sandwich in toast. Shane did the same with his burger.
Ten minutes later, Hunter spoke again. "Shane, I got a very cryptic text message last night. From what I could gather, there is a man who is willing to talk. A man on the Council of Seven. Any idea who that could be?" Hunter gave Shane an arched brow with a look of hope.
Shane's eyes went wide. "The seven lieutenants? The the most fiercely loyal. I hoped one of them would...turn, but that was just a pipe dream, or so I thought. Hunter, I honestly have no clue. How...it could be a trap, you know, like a cat playing with a mouse." He was deadly serious as he spoke.
"Oh trust me, that has crossed our minds. Bret and I have reason to believe, that he is the cat and your sister is the mouse. He wants to meet. He wants me to pick the where and when. It usually works the other way. Then they have time to set up a hit. If I don't know the where and when until I decide, no one else can." Hunter again looked at Shane. He hoped the man would agree to the plan.
Shane nodded. "That does sound like he is trustworthy. If it were me, I would pick an extremely crowded public place. You know a Royals home game would be a good place. None of the lieutenants go to games and father and Stephanie hate baseball. They have a box for the Chiefs but not the Royals." He gave Hunter a shrug.
Hunter chuckled. "That was what Bret said as well. There are plenty of places to meet someone in secret at the stadium. Now, are you willing to go with me? Bret and I want you to listen. You will know if the things he says are lies or the truth. You will be disguised. An old man in a wheelchair, out with his grandson. We have an expert in disguises. Shane we know it's risky, and if you say no, it's alright. We will record the conversation. But there is always a chance something can go wrong with that. This is too important for a glitch to interfere. If this guy is legit, he is treading a very dangerous line." Hunter took a sip from the glass of water Shane had given him.
Shane rubbed his chin. "Did he say anything to...I don't know, prove he is legit? Sorry, I don't know how else to say it."
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, he did. Remember when they were going to kidnap Adam at the café?" Hunter paused to give Shane time to think.
"Oh, yeah. They talked about how they failed because Orton suddenly showed up." Shane did recall how angry his sister was.
Hunter nodded. "Well, he said he was the one who told Orton. Shane, did anyone at that meeting let anything slip? Even a single word could help." Again he gave Shane a moment to think.
Shane buried his head in his hands, closed his eyes and thought. Shane had a gift, he had an Eidetic memory, of a kind. He could remember nearly every word he read or heard. He just to isolate a conversation first.
A few minutes later, Shane opened his eyes. "No, nothing. They were all very upset that Orton had just shown up. I believe they all swore on their medals." Shane gave Hunter another shrug. He felt like he wasn't much help.
Hunter smiled. "Shane, you're doing a great job. Shawn and I have already told you, but, consider us your family now. I am waiting for an email from your Harvard Adviser. We will get this worked out." He reached over and gave Shane a fatherly pat on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Hunter. Don't worry, I won't let this stop me from getting my law degree. I am also more than willing to go with you to meet the guy. Hunter, keep all of this out of the station. I've never heard it mentioned but...cops do get paid off sometimes, you know this. Stephanie isn't the only one out there you know. I'm sure Orton has ears out. As you said, even an accidental slip of one word could...kill us all." Shane spoke with deep thought and the wisdom to match.
Hunter nodded. "No worries there, son. No one at the office has a clue. Bret has the word out that I am working on a counterfeit case with a bank. It helps explain why I am out of the office so much. Bret Hart is a very intelligent man. I'm not too bad myself." He gave a laugh and a wink to Shane.
"No, you're not too bad. I just want this over and to see my father, sister and Randy pay for their crimes. Nothing more, nothing less. No, I have no guilt about it, but it does make me sad. I'm sure it makes my mother in Heaven cry too. They have done things that have destroyed the lives of innocent children. Drugs, murder, and who knows what else. They have to be stopped before more innocents pay." Shane spoke with passion. He wanted to help the helpless. Be a voice for the voiceless and he didn't want or expect anything in return.
"Shane, you have an attitude I wish more people had. Especially young people. Too many scream so loudly about their rights, that they don't realize they are stepping on everyone else's rights. With your help, maybe getting your father, sister and Randy behind bars will save a life, maybe more. Well, I have to meet Bret, let him know you agreed I don't know when yet, but soon. I don't want to let the cat dangle the mouse too long, or he might change his mind. I may not be back for a day or two. We don't want Megan to catch on to anything." Hunter stood as did Shane.
"Thanks, Hunter. I will be ready when you are. Give Shawn my best, but not Megan. Oh you know what I mean." Shane chuckled.
"I do. See you." Hunter gave Shane a fatherly, one armed hug and made his way out of the underground panic room.
Shane sat back down on the couch. He laid his head back and closed his eyes. Shane was trying to think who could be the one on the Council of Seven who would turn, and why? He also knew the seven men were sons of crime bosses from around the world. Was the son acting on behalf of his father? To get revenge? Or was the son more like he was, tired of seeing his father do terrible things to innocent people? That was the question Shane wanted an answer to.
Adam and Ida looked at Adam's laptop. Ida smiled. "That is beautiful, Adam. It will be lovely for a wedding. What is it called, again?" She looked at the photos once again.
"The place is called the Royal Wedding Chapel. This is the Tree of Life Chapel. They have decorated the large trunk of an ancient pine tree. Dean calls me a nymph, so why not get married in an enchanted forest, so to speak." Adam smiled at Adam with a shrug.
Ida laughed softly. "I've heard him call you that. It is perfect, Adam. I am sure Dean will love it. I can also watch it on live stream...whatever that is." She knew a bit about the internet, but not a lot. Megan had been the one to finally teach her about emails a few years ago.
Adam gave Ida a friendly pat. "It means you can watch it as it happens. Don't worry, Megan can teach you. I am going to book for November twenty seventh. But we can change it if Dean has issues. That's the Saturday after Thanksgiving." Adam began the process to book the wedding venue on line.
"I am so glad for your boys. I have never seen you so happy. Adam, I wish you and Dean nothing but love and joy." Ida gave Adam a hug. Then went to the laundry room to start the seventh and final load.
Adam smiled after Ida, then turned back to his laptop. He was the happiest he'd ever been.
Dean sat in the office of Doctor Steve Austin, Administrator of Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City. He'd just signed the contract that would allow him to be a tending physician.
Dean slid the contract across the desk to Steve. "Thank you, Steve. This is a great relief. I will now have more time for my patients."
Steve put the contract in a brand new file folder with the other forms Dean had filled out, such as W2 forms and conditions of employment and insurance.
"It's a step down from Head of Department. Are you really sure about this. I want you happy." Steve was a bit worried about Dean taking a much lower staff position.
Dean grinned. "Very sure, Steve. Oh, don't get me wrong, I liked being Head, but, it meant I had a limited time with every patient. Now as a tending, I only have to worry about my patients. If I want to spend an hour with one or two with another, I can. I am more than willing to consult and of course operate when you ask me to. It isn't always about titles and money. I can take on more private patients now, and that's where it stops. I am just glad to be out from under McMahon's thumb. Expect a call from John Cena, and maybe one from Brock Lesnar." Dean gave Austin one of his most impish smirks.
Austin growled. "I have never been fond of Vincent. He's not the most respectful person. When we have our Hospital, city wide Administrators meetings, he always tries to take over and run everything. I've also had run ins with that bitchy daughter of his. I hope, whatever is going down, it means they will be fired from Saint Luke's. Well, I have things to tend to. Welcome aboard. Dean, let me know if you need anything." Steve stood and held his hand out to Dean.
Dean firmly shook Austin's hand. "Thanks, Steve, I will. Trust me, McMahon and his daughter won't know what hit them. See you soon." Dean left Steve's office and headed out. His patients were happy and settled. Dean was ready to get home to his family.
At Randy Orton's office downtown, a small meeting took place with AJ Styles, Ted and Cody.
"It's what we heard on the street. Adam, Seth and Dean have all quit Saint Luke's. We also heard Stephanie is furious." Cody gave Randy the news they'd heard from one of their drug runners on the street.
Randy's eyes went wide. "Oh really? That is very interesting. I wonder why? Adam loves the hospital. I am sure he will tell me eventually. Now, AJ, anything new from the blue line?" He was very curious, but Adam's business was his own.
AJ frowned. "Absolutely nothing. It's almost too quiet. The only thing is some big case at a bank. Helmsley is in charge. Chief Hart is working with him. Our friend confirmed it." He gave a shrug.
Ted looked at AJ, he could tell the man had something on his mind. "AJ, you have a niggle about something? You know the boss, he will listen." He encouraged AJ to speak.
Randy looked at AJ. "He's right, AJ. I am always open to thoughts and ideas. If you have a niggle, express it."
AJ spoke. "As I said, it's almost too quiet. It's as if they know we are watching. I was always able to get something, even just a word or two. It just...bugs me that it is so silent." He gave another shrug.
Randy rolled his neck. "Better speak to our friend in the department. Tell him what's happened. Maybe he can nose around and pick something up. Cody, you know him best. Talk to him; today." He looked at Cody with a firm set face.
"Will do, boss. As soon as this meeting is over." Cody's expression was just as firm.
Randy spoke again. "Ted, Brett probably already knows, god knows how, but eyes on the Kia are no longer needed at Saint Luke's. This will give him another pair of eyes where it is important. That's it. We'll meet later at the house. Now I have legit work to do. Jericho is trying to get into another one of our hospitals in Raytown. When will that fucking bastard give up? See you boys later, you all know what to do." He waved at his men in dismissal.
Ted, Cody and AJ stood. Cody spoke. "Why don't you just kill the fucking bastard?"
Randy laughed when Ted rolled his eyes and pulled Cody out of the office. He could hear Ted gently scold Cody as AJ just shook his head. Cody was always a great source of entertainment.
At Adam's, Dean sat at the kitchen table and looked at the laptop. He also ate a late lunch sandwich Ida had made for him. Adam helped Ida fold the clean, dry laundry. Each child had their own pile, and would put their things away after school. It was one of their chores they did each week.
"Ida, would you marry me too? You make tuna salad just like my mom." Dean spoke then took a very large bite of sandwich.
Ida laughed. "Adam might object. I am glad you like it. It's the radishes and sweet pickle. They add just the right touch." She folded Jordan's pink bath sheet towel.
Dean took a closer look at the Royal Wedding website. He really liked it, and thought the Tree of Love Chapel was...charming.
"Adam, my nymph, you have very elegant taste. I really do like this. I am all for it. November twenty seventh is fine with me. I will speak to Roman later. He can tell me where and how to rent a small jet. Have Shawn and Hunter decided about Megan?" Dean took another big right.
Adam smiled at his future husband "I am glad you like it, but I knew you would. No, not yet. You know Shawn wants to make sure she is full recovered. I am sure Megan and Nancy will talk him into it. I need to find and book a hotel that is very kid friendly." Adam folded Jade's last pair of play shorts.
"I will take care of that, baby. Don't worry, I am not going to book a by the hour hooker hotel, I want something special. Leave it to me." Dean spoke as he started to look up Las Vegas hotels. He knew what he wanted.
Adam looked at his watch. "I'm going to pick up the kids. Keep all this under your hats, you two. I don't want them to break my nerve with a billion questions."
"No problem, Adam. Drive safely. I am grilling later for supper. " Dean gave Adam a kiss as the blond left to get the kids.
Ida left Dean clicking on the laptop. She took the first load of towels and sheets upstairs. Dean found what he wanted. He made the booking with his rarely used platinum card. Dean knew Adam and the children would love it. He also booked for the Helmsley's and the Reigns'. It would be his thank you gift to them. If they wanted to change they could, but Dean would insist on paying.
Stephanie McMahon sat at her desk in her office at St. Luke's. Her head buried in her hands. Justin and Drake were there, they didn't know what to do to help their boss, here and "there."
Justin looked at a resume and job application. Stephanie had asked for his opinion on her choices for two new Registered Nurses.
Justin decided to keep to hospital business. "I agree, both of these choices are very good. Miss Guerrero has the age and experience and Tamina Snooka also has good experience. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them. Only one small issue, Miss Guerrero would need to realize I am the charge nurse. She may think with her age and experience, she is getting that job." He gave a bit of a smile. All her recommendations were excellent, but also said she liked to be in charge.
Stephanie put her hands on her desk. "She will know. Aright, I will call them, they can start tomorrow. Justin, thank you. I know you weren't brought here to really work, but now, I am pleased that you are. Maybe when the dust settles, you can show your true self. I would more than glad for you to take Ambrose's position of Head of the Department."
Justin ducked his head a bit. "Thank you, ma'am. I would do that; when the time is right. For me, I am a physician, but even as a nurse, no matter what else is going on, the children come first, without question." He spoke with a care providers conviction.
Drake smiled with pride for Justin. "Ma'am, has Doctor Cena said anything?" He knew Dean had spoken to John, maybe even Brock Lesnar.
"Not yet, but I am expecting it. I don't know why any of this happened. I do think whatever it is, this is just the start. I will be glad when father gets back. He'd just better not blame me." Stephanie almost pouted.
At Adam's house, Dean jumped when Adam carried in a highly upset, crying Jordan. Jade and Janice also cried and James looked fit to be tied. Adam looked both mad and worried. Jade ran to Dean and wanted to be picked up, Jan clung to his leg, they acted more like toddlers than seven year olds.
Dean picked Jade up and settled her on his lap. "What happened?"
Adam turned so Dean could see Jordan's face. Jordan had a bloody nose and his eye turned black. Blood dripped from a cut on his lip.
James growled. "A new kid in Jor's class attacked Jor just after school. He's a bully!"
Dean set Jade down and the doctor in him took over. He took Jordan from Adam, and sat Jordan down on the counter top.
"Adam, my bag." Dean spoke firmly. Adam went to get Dean's medical bag from the table in the hallway.
When Adam returned he spoke. "It was Ash Jericho, Christopher Jericho's son. Randy will flip his lid." Adam shot Dean a look that said so much more.
It was all about a cat and a mouse.