"So, Shane. Bret and I sat down and really talked about it. We decided that you don't need to be at the stadium. Especially with your father back in town. We're meeting the informant tomorrow." Hunter spoke to Shane as they ate the breakfast that Nancy had prepared upstairs, and Hunter brought down to Shane.
Shane nodded. "I don't like it, but I understand it. I also appreciate that you and Bret put my safety first. I have another idea, if it's possible. Could you live stream the meeting? I'm the one that can tell you who it is. I want to do all I can to help." Shane took a bite of pancake.
Hunter let out a "hum" sound. "I will speak to Bret about that. It's a good idea. I'm sure with his connections, he can figure out a way to do that. Oh, Shawn wanted to know, would you be willing to do some clerk work? They have a big case and he said you were the best at research that he'd ever seen. Even better than Roman when he clerked. That is saying something." He finished his breakfast.
Shane beamed. "I'd love that, but how? Won't Megan wonder why...well, I just don't want her at any risk."
"Don't worry about that. Next week, Megan can go back to normal. Nancy will take her to see Champion, so the house will be empty. Shawn will use that to bring you things. It's not unusual for him to come and go. So no one will notice." Hunter explained.
"That's great. I love riding. Maybe when this is all over, I can meet Champion. Then tell Shawn yes, I would love to do some clerk work for him. That is a nice compliment, Roman is an excellent lawyer. Well, let me know when I can help, and I will do all I can. I want my father, sister and Orton behind bars...for life." Shane spoke firmly.
Hunter stood. "Nancy said to keep the dishes, too hard to explain if Megan sees. I'll be back when we work out the final details. The meeting will be on Saturday...tomorrow. Take care, Shane. Thanks for understanding."
Hunter left to go back to the main house. Nancy and Megan were in Megan's room doing school work. Shawn had gone to his office. Hunter thought the live stream was a good idea. Sometimes, Hunter felt he was too old for the job.
Two hours later, Jason Reso-Hart met with an old friend from the FBI. They were deep in an underground parking lot in Raytown. The FBI Agent had a black bag filled with equipment for Jason.
"The live stream was a good idea. I kinda wondered why Bret hadn't mentioned it. I hope all this helps. We've been after McMahon and Orton for a long time. They have killed two of our best. They tried to infiltrate the Council of Seven, but McMahon and Orton are...very dangerous. So, we pulled back for a while. We are more than willing to help." The agent spoke in a grim tone.
Jason huffed a bit. "We will do what we can. If it wasn't for our informant, we wouldn't be this far along. Thanks for all of this. I'll get it back to you. Take care." Jason grabbed the bag and got out of the car. FBI Agent, Kenny Omega chuckled as Jason melted into the shadows. He wished his friend luck. He didn't envy the danger Jason, his husband and the detective were in.
Bret and Hunter were once again locked in Hunter's office at the Helmsley house. Jason was there as well, to explain the equipment they had gotten from the FBI.
"He said the live stream was a great idea. This is the camera. It can go on the front of your cap." Jason held up a KC Royals collector pin. It was a baseball shape with two crossed bats. It was a baseball version of a skull and cross bones.
Hunter took the pin. "What they can do these days. It's perfect, a lot of fans wear these on their caps. Megan even has a few. Now, you will be running all this from the parking lot?" Hunter arched his brow at Jason.
Jason nodded with a bit of a chuckle. "Yep. That's for me to worry about. The less you know, the better."
"I understand. So, I will contact our guy in the morning. I will meet you at the agreed place so you can do our disguises. Jason, I can't thank you enough. You don't have to be doing any of this." Hunter gave Jason a smile and nod of deep respect.
Jason sighed. "Yes, I do. Bret knows why, but I suppose there is no reason why you shouldn't know. McMahon killed one of my best friends, Lance Storm. He was undercover and McMahon found out. There wasn't enough of Lance left to even bury. I owe this to Lance, and others who have lost their lives to men like McMahon and Orton. If we pull this off, and they face justice, my work will be complete. Then maybe, we can finally adopt a child." Jason gave his husband a look that said so much.
Bret smiled softly. "Yes, we will adopt a sweet baby, I promise. Babe, Lance is proud of you from Heaven, you know this. Okay Hunter, you know what to do. Good luck. We'll meet tomorrow…after everything. We'll need to talk to Shane anyway. You go, baby. I will see you later." Bret gave his husband a kiss. Jason vanished like smoke. Bret left a few minutes later.
Hunter left as well. He headed downtown. They had rented an office in a bank. It helped back the story that Hunter worked on a bank case. Hunter wasn't a church goer, but he did believe. When he was in the small, rented office, he got down on his knees and began to pray like never before.
Adam came out of the art supply shop with four loaded shopping bags. He'd promised Mr. Bowen he would get more supplies for the after school program. Adam was more than happy to do it. He did groan when the list included lots of glitter. Adam cringed at pink and green, but he bought it. Along with a gallon of glue.
When Adam loaded the Kia, he had the feeling he was watched. It was a feeling he had more and more. He wondered if it was because he knew the truth about Randy. Adam hoped if someone was watching him, it was Randy and not Stephanie McMahon. Randy would do it for protection, McMahon would do it for evil. The feeling made Adam move faster. He was soon on his way to St. Luke's Academy. It was his afternoon to help with the after school program.
At St. Luke's Hospital, Drake Younger sat in Vince's office with Stephanie. Justin couldn't be there, he was too busy in the children's ward.
"Has anyone picked up anything? What about our man on the force?" Vince asked with anger deeply etched on his face. It reflected in his voice.
Drake looked at Stephanie, then Vince. "No sir, not yet. Drew is monitoring the cop computers, but nothing has been communicated. We checked, Helmsley is working at the bank. If we could only locate Shane's car, it might help. Sir, we are doing all we can. Finn, Wade, Sheamus and Cesaro are out there now. Drew is plastered to his computer. We will break our backs to find him." Drake spoke in earnest. An angry Vince was quick to act first, think later.
"We know that, Drake. Shane has been a thorn in our sides for a long time. Father, I've spoken to his adviser at Harvard. He hasn't heard from Shane either. He also said, that wasn't unusual, as they are on break. He said he would let me know if Shane contacted him. I played the worried sister very well. Father, just let them do their jobs, they will find Shane." Stephanie also knew to tread softly. She knew her father was ready to snap like a dry twig.
Vince took a deep breath. "Alright, alright. You're right, it takes time. We not only have to deal with that fucking Orton, we have to deal with my fucking son. Meeting tomorrow. We need to discuss things. If I can't get to Shane, we will get to Orton. Two thorns are painful." Vince conceded and knew things would be worked out one way or another…eventually.
Stephanie and Drake left when Vince had to take a call about hospital business. They made their way down to Stephanie's office on the children's ward floor.
"Come in, Drake." Stephanie opened her office door.
Drake sat down in the chair across from Stephanie's desk. "You did well, ma'am. You managed to calm your father down. We really are doing all we can to find Shane. I do have a request. Can you convince your father to meet on Sunday instead? The boys need a day of rest. Justin is about to drop from exhaustion. Tired men are useless. The stress isn't good for Wade either. Justin is worried about him. Finn and Drew still have a few minor issues from the pellet hits. To be honest, ma'am, you look like you could use a day as well. Go to the spa and relax." Drake was concerned. They were exhausted. A day of rest was desperately needed.
Stephanie nodded. "Yes, I will. Tell the men to take tomorrow off and to rest. I can take father out to golf. Then a spa at the club. Father can't resist shaming me on the golf course."
Drake chuckled. "Thank you, ma'am. Ma'am, I've seen you on the golf course. You could be a pro. Do you let him win?" He was curious.
Stephanie actually laughed. "Of course I do. I learned a long time ago, a Vince who wins is a happy Vince. Shane always did his best to beat Vince at golf. Big mistake. Well, tell them one o'clock on Sunday. I will take care of it. You take care of Justin. The hospital needs him more than we do. Drake, both you and Justin have been a tower of strength to me. I truly appreciate both of you. Now, get to work. This hospital still has to function." She gave Drake a nod.
"It's easy to be strong for a strong leader. Sunday, we will be there, bright and fresh." Drake returned the nod and left to do his own work.
Later that evening, Justin and Drake relaxed in Justin's condo. "So, I convinced her to give all of us tomorrow off. I want you in bed all day. I will even stay at my own place so you can really sleep. If you're a good boy, I will take you out to dinner. I know a great Thai place, you love Thai food." Drake teased Justin with a kiss to Justin's neck.
Justin gave a soft moan. "I will do what you ask tomorrow, if you fuck me senseless tonight. It will help me relax." He gave Drake a very sex filled smirk.
Drake growled low. "I can handle that. Come on my werewolf. We have things to do." Drake stood, pulled Justin up and led him to the bedroom.
It was six am on Saturday morning. Shawn lay on the bed and did his best to remember how to breathe. Hunter did the same, as he held Shawn's hand. The had made love like it was their last day on earth. To Shawn, it could be. Hunter was about to go on a very dangerous mission.
"Don't worry, honey. It will be alright. Bret will be five feet away. Jason will be close. I am just going to talk to the guy. This is for Adam and the children. As much as it breaks my heart, Randy Orton is a murdering, drug pushing criminal." Hunter pulled Shawn up against him.
Shawn snuggled up to his husband. "I know, it makes me sick. For the first time, I can honestly say, I am glad Adam and Randy divorced. Adam won't be in any trouble, will he?" He worried about his near son.
Hunter rested his chin on top of Shawn's head. "No, there is no evidence that Adam knew anything. He barely knows anything about Randy's legit company. My next question, Bob Orton is the crime world of Saint Louis. Was Randy going to eventually groom James or Jordan to take over one day? That thought scares the fuck outta me."
Shawn sat up so suddenly, he hit Hunter in the jaw. "Babe, I am sorry." Shawn kissed Hunter's jaw, then continued. "I never thought of that. Randy turning one of the boys...get him, Hunter. Go to that meeting, learn what you can and get those bastards behind bars." He spoke like the high power lawyer he was. Maybe he could even prosecute Randy and the McMahon's.
Hunter chuckled. "I will, honey. Boy, you have a hard head." He rubbed his chin, then continued. "I bet you hope they will appoint you as special prosecutor. Don't put too much on that. You might be considered too personally involved. Now, I need to go shower and get ready. You keep our baby girl occupied. She can go see Champion very soon." Hunter kissed Shawn, then got out of bed to go shower.
Shawn also got up. He knew what to do to keep Megan occupied. There were a lot of places online that did special things for homeschool children who were ill. For a donation, a live tour guide would take you through the Smithsonian Museum. Just like if you were there in person to take a tour. Megan would love it. Shawn pulled out his cell phone and booked a tour.
Adam and Dean were taking the quads on a picnic to Parade Park. It was a special place for the couple and the kids loved it. Ida packed the picnic basket with fried chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers and chocolate cup cakes. There was also a gallon thermos filled with iced tea. It was going to be a wonderful day…if nothing went wrong.
At ten in the morning, Hunter sat in a panel van in the middle of the Kauffman stadium parking lot, Jason worked on Hunter's disguise.
First Jason dyed Hunter's eyebrows to match the dark brown, short haired wig he wore. He would also dye Hunter's beard. Jason also had deep green contacts to totally change Hunter's eye color. It was a professional job, not some cheesy half-done Hollywood makeup job.
Bret Hart watched the van from his car. Like many others who waited for the Stadium to open. He wondered if the person they were supposed to meet was one of the people waiting.
Drake Younger used the key Justin had given him. He opened the door of Justin's condo. It was dark as the curtains were still drawn. To Drake, that was a good sign. He only wanted to check and make sure Justin was being good and sleeping.
Drake silently went to the door that led to Justin's bedroom. Justin was curled up under the covers in the middle of the bed. The sound of soft snores filled the room. Drake was satisfied. He closed the door and left Justin to sleep. He would come back at six to wake Justin to take him out to dinner.
The man from McMahon's Council of Seven, got off the city bus that took Royals fans from downtown to the stadium. He would either take another bus or maybe an Uber after the meeting.
The man wore a Royals baseball jersey, faded blue jeans and old sneakers. He looked like every other fan. He needed to buy a general admission ticket and go to Gate E, behind section 247. He went to the general admission ticket line, and smiled. He was third in line. He got into a conversation about the Royals with the man who'd come up behind him. It was a normal day at a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
Jason gave Hunter a final once over. "Now, the dye will wash out, easily with shampoo. You look perfect. Good luck, Hunter." Jason put the cap with the camera pin on Hunter's head. He tested the camera with a remote device in his hand.
Jason could hear and see whatever the camera heard and saw. Hunter also had a hidden listening device, disguised as a button on his Royals baseball jersey. Bret had the same device on his jersey.
Hunter made his way to the general admission line. It was still a bit early but only about twenty people were ahead of him. He wondered if their informant was one of those people. Hunter ignored the man who got behind him in line. It was Chief Bret Hart, also disguised as a long haired blond with a beard to put a mountain man to shame. Hunter had to bite back a chuckle, Bret looked hot and miserable. The things cops did that the public never knew or appreciated.
When the gates of the beautiful Kauffman Stadium opened, a cheer went up. As general admissions began to sell their tickets, the line moved quickly.
Hunter went left to Gate E. Bret went right. He would double back after Hunter in ten minutes. Bret also knew his beloved husband was somewhere close.
The McMahon lieutenant made his way to Gate E, Section 247. All he knew was he was to look for a zebra striped baseball cap and use the code word C of S. It was stupid spy shit, but he knew it was the way it worked. He would have done the same.
Bret found his seat on the back row of Section 247. He sat five feet from where Hunter stood. He hoped the natural noise of the stadium would cover up the conversation between Hunter and the informant. It was also good that the area was fairly crowded. It would shield them.
At exactly one o'clock, Hunter felt a light tap on his left shoulder. "You know where they sell C of S craft beer?" The informant asked in a soft voice.
Hunter turned around. He looked at the man. He had no idea who he was. He figured the guy was also in a heavy disguise.
"Yeah, I do. So, tell me what you want to tell me." Hunter wanted to give the man a chance without asking him a lot of questions. Questions tended to make things...hairy.
The informant chuckled. "Okay then. I will will give you enough dirt on McMahon and Orton to make your head spin so fast you will throw up." He took a deep breath and began to inform on McMahon, Orton and everyone associated with them.
At Parade Park, Dean and Adam pushed the quads on the swings. They had a wonderful time under the watchful eye of one of Brett DiBiase's best men. Of course, Adam wasn't aware of the man. Adam had decided to have a Randy thought free day.
Dean stopped pushing. "Okay, little lions. Let's wash up and eat. I am starving."
Four children and two adults ran to their picnic area under the big oak tree. They all washed their hands and faces at the water fountain, then they used hand gel. The little family soon enjoyed their delicious picnic starring fried chicken.
At the stadium, Bret Hart couldn't believe the inside information the informant gave Hunter. The hard part would be all the work it would take to prove it in a court of law. It would take more than the words of a man out for revenge.
Bret felt bad for the informant and all he had been through. He would do everything in his power to make sure the man didn't fall with the others.
Bret also had to admire the man. He flatly refused the offer to be taken into hiding. He was going to stay on the Council of Seven, and act like nothing was wrong. It would give him a chance to warn people who were in danger, like Adam or his children. He would also be able to inform when something like a drug shipment was due in.
Hart wished he knew the man's name, that way, they would know who to protect if the need ever arose. Maybe Shane would know who it was. But, would he tell if he did?
At the Helmsley house, Shawn and Megan had a wonderful time. Their tour guide, who also happened to be named Shawn, showed them things the public never got to see. It also helped that Shawn the guide was very funny. Shawn Helmsley had such a good time, he forgot to worry about Hunter...almost.
In the panic/safe room, underground of the Helmsley house, Shane McMahon paced. He knew, by now, Hunter was deep in a meeting with the informant. He wished he was there. He'd tried to watch the live stream, but all he got was static, with the occasional one or two second flicker.
Shane figured being in the safe room kept the signal from penetrating. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, simple things were forgotten. It wasn't anyone's fault. He'd see the recorded footage later, he hoped.
With a sigh, Shane went to the kitchen. He boiled water for another blueberry crumble and a packet of beef stew. At least the dehydrated food was very good. He could live on it forever.
At Parade Park, the children lay on the blanket and used Adam's legs as a pillow, while Dean read from Cathy's book of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Dean grinned as he read, Adam and the quads were nearly asleep. It was just like their first date. Dean realized all the hopes he'd had on that day had come true. He and Adam would be married and he would officially be the step-father of Jordan, James, Janice and Jade. Dean couldn't wait until November 27th.
At Kauffman Stadium, the meeting continued. The informant still spoke.
"They want to get Orton under their control at any cost. They will hurt Adam if they have to, and if not, the four children are at risk. The only hope is me. I am the one that warned Randy about the plot to kidnap Adam. I would have also warned him about Jordan, but I was surrounded the entire time. Besides, I knew if Orton was there, his men would be too, and that Jordan would be safe. Right now, things are floundering. With Shane missing, it has thrown them. They suspect that he bugged the conference room." The man paused and sipped from the water bottle he'd bought before the meeting.
Hunter looked at the man. "Did they search his room?" He was a bit worried. If Shane left anything behind, it could be bad.
The informant chuckled a bit. "Yeah they did...but, only after I had swept it. They didn't find the safe hidden behind Shane's high school diploma, but I did. I managed to find the bug. If he had anything else in the safe, he took it. I destroyed the listening device. I have to hand it to Shane, he is not stupid. Can I ask, is he safe? Because they are determined to find him, at any cost." His tone and look were deadly serious.
"Very safe. Trust me, the won't find him. However, I would hope you would warn me if they say anything?" Hunter was just as serious. He had to be, his family was at risk for hiding Shane.
The informant nodded. "Of course I will. If something happens to me, he will be your only informant. I want him as safe as you do. By the way, if you can tell me, what about his car? They could…if Shane left anything in it."
Hunter glanced around as if to stretch his neck. Bret gave a very slight nod, then joined the fans as they cheered a Royals bases loaded home run.
"We took care of it. It's been wiped of all identification, and the color has been changed. It's in our custody. Sorry, I can't say where. They could walk right past it and never realize it. But of course, they won't walk by it. Now, the hard question. Do you...no, does McMahon have someone from the force on his payroll?" Hunter looked hard at the informant. Now he would know if this guy was as serious as he seemed.
"Absolutely. I am also sure Orton does too. McIntyre is tied into your computers. If we are, they are. I don't know who, but if it drops, you will be the first to know. You have to understand, I can not ask any questions. We are told what we need to know. I know things others don't and others know things I don't. That way, if Orton should get one of us, we can't tell him what we don't know. I will, however, keep my ears open. McIntyre can do anything with a computer, but he does have loose lips...sometimes..." The informant hesitated, he needed to say something, but didn't want to sound desperate.
"Hunter smiled softly at the man in front of him. "Say it. I am not about to stand here and judge you. Not with the amount of courage you have."
The informant looked at Hunter with a nod. "Thank you for that. I won't let anything interfere with what I am doing. I have every intention of seeing the McMahon's and Orton behind bars. Yes, I know I will probably be behind the same bars. I just want to assure you, and promise you, I have never killed or helped to kill anyone, and I never will. I am not trying to...save myself. I will face what I have to face. But, I will make damn sure the McMahon's and Orton fall with me." He had almost sheepish look. He didn't want Hunter to think he was trying to avoid anything.
"I understand. I know you aren't doing this for yourself. I can see by the look in your eyes that you are here to see justice done. I deeply respect you for that. Are you ready to wind this up or do you have more? My time is yours." Hunter didn't want the man to feel trapped.
"I've told you all I have, for now. I will inform you when we need to meet again or if...any emergency comes up. I will buy disposable cell phones, every time I contact you. I will keep it for twelve hours only. If I don't hear from you in that time, I will do it again in twenty four hours. If it is dire, I will figure it out. I am not stupid. You know what I mean." The informant gave Hunter a firm nod.
Hunter returned the nod, as the Royals fans cheered another home run. "Sounds good. I always have my cell phone. You take care of yourself, son. Thank you for all you are doing. I truly admire your courage and bravery. Go, with my thanks, and blessings. Contact me if you need help, day or night." He held his hand out to the man.
The informant shook Hunter's hand firmly. "I have to do what's right. Nothing more, nothing less." He gave Hunter a final nod, and melted into the milling crowd.
Hunter chuckled, Bret was gone. He probably wanted out of the beard. He casually made his way back to the van. Jason would help him change back into himself. When he got home later, he would wash out all the hair dye. Megan knew he had to wear disguise once in a while. Bret would come over later, so the could speak to Shane about the meeting.
At Adam's it was one of the very rare times he let his children eat supper in front of the TV. The Muppet Movie was on Dean had turned the left over fried chicken in to a delicious salad for sandwiches. Adam and Dean were on the couch and enjoyed the movie as much as the children did.
At Justin Gabriel's condo, Drake again used his key. The drapes were still drawn. He went to the bedroom. The Justin sized lump was still in the middle of the bed. With a smile, Drake spooned behind Justin, on top of the covers.
"Babe, time to wake up sleeping beauty." Drake spoke softly into Justin's ear.
Justin stretched and smacked his lips "Wha...huh?" He blinked a few times.
"Wakey, wakey. Time for Thai food. You were a good boy and slept all day." Drake got up off the bed so Justin could get up.
Justin gave a deep, sleep laced chuckle. "Yeah, I did. Like a log. Guess you checked to make sure." He sat up and stretched again He was shirtless, but wore a pair of sleeping shorts.
"Once, this morning. I slept a bit too. Get ready. I will wait in the living room." Drake gave Justin a smile and left the room.
Justin smiled, grabbed some clean clothes and went to take a shower to wake up.
In the safe room of the Helmsley house, Bret, Shane and Hunter waited for the video pin camera footage to load into one of Jason's laptops Bret had brought.
"Sorry we didn't realize a live feed wouldn't pick up down here. As you said, sometimes we forget the small stuff." Bret stated as the video began to play.
When the video started, Shane sat up. "Oh my God...that's Justin!"