A/N: HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL my faithful and loyal readers. I am glad so many of you have read and enjoyed the story so far. I am still writing the story, and have a few more chapters to go. I know it has been a long one, but I wanted to write a detailed story with an interesting plot, and so far, you all seem to be enjoying it. Once again, thank you so much for all of your loyalty and support. I hope I never stop writing. All the best for a wonderful and blessed day...and new year! Lady Dragonsblood.
At five o'clock Monday morning, two meetings took place. One at the Orton mansion, one at the McMahon mansion.
Randy and his lieutenants were sharply dressed for work. Randy finished laying out the plan for his men. "...so, when McMahon's little bitch comes to rig Heath's car, Morrison will pop him with a knockout pellet, along with a note that warns the next one will be deadly poison. Heath, you do not get in or near your car until Morrison checks it out. If there is any doubt, leave it. I will have it towed by a very Orton loyal mechanic. Understood?"
John Morrison nodded. "I am ready, boss. Heath, don't even touch the remote on your key chain. I don't exactly know how a Belfast Special is set. It could be a normal sized device or a toss magnet. He may not even have to come close to the car." He knew a lot, but he also knew guys often invented their own special devices unique to them.
Heath looked at his car keys. It was a perfectly normal remote and two keys. Now, they felt like poison in his hand. "Why? What did I ever do? I basically work for OP, not the illegal side. Well, okay, I help Zack and Dolph, but I've never done anything to a McMahon face to face." He was not only confused, but a little scared. It was not nice to know you were going to be the victim of a deadly attack.
Randy looked at Heath. "Because you are one of my C of S. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't worry, Heath. Even I will be there to protect you. You're important to me, all of you are. It is my sworn duty to protect you, like you were my own children. As Mike said, we don't do cheese or mush, but I love all of you, as brothers. Now, everything remains as normal as possible. Heath, you are to get coffee at seven forty five, like every other workday morning. My car will arrive at the OP building as usual, but I won't be in it. I will be with Ted and Cody. Zack, Mike and Dolph will be with AJ and JoMo. Now, let's go have a nice breakfast." Randy stood with a nod to his council of seven. They went upstairs, where the cook laid out a delicious breakfast for her sweet boys.
At the McMahon mansion, Stephanie and Vince met with their lieutenants. They were still without power. Vince would take them out to breakfast later. But now, they laid their final plan for the hit on Heath Slater.
"I just need two minutes to walk by his car. It's a toss magnet. As soon as he turns on his engine, boom! Up goes the little redhead in a million little pieces. This baby was created by one of my dad's best men." Sheamus explained with a bit of a smirk.
Vince chuckled. "Good job, Sheamus. Cesaro, you go with him." He wasn't going to waste man power where it wasn't needed.
"Drake, you and Justin will be at the hospital as usual. That way nothing falls back on you. Finn, Wade and Drew, be on stand by, but not near the coffee shop." Stephanie gave the final orders.
Finn nodded. "Shouldn't be any issues. No way Orton can know about this, not with the rat out of the house. We will be there."
"If you send the street boys out to search for Shane, tell them to be extra gentle. The homeless will be shaken from the tornado. The shelters will be full. I'd start there." Justin spoke with his calm wisdom.
Wade smiled at Justin. "Not to worry, Justin. The street boys will know what to do, they associate with them." He rubbed his belly as he spoke.
"You alright?" Finn asked with worry as he noticed Wade's movements.
Wade smiled at his friend. "Yes, Finn. Just hungry. Sorry." He looked a bit sheepish.
Finn smiled softly. "It's okay little baby, you will get breakfast soon." He then turned to the McMahon's. "Sorry sir, ma'am. I worry about him. I owe it to Alberto."
"No problems, Mister Bálor. We all owe it to Alberto, to see his child safe into the world. Anyway, if Orton doesn't give in, we'll take out another one. Maybe that childish Rhodes. He's higher up in Orton's chain." Stephanie gave Finn a nod.
The McMahon meeting ended. Sheamus and Cesaro needed to get in place at the coffee shop to wait for Heath.
Justin's mind raced as he and Drake headed to the restaurant to have breakfast with the others. He prayed with all his heart Orton had taken his warning seriously.
Randy gave a laugh from the back seat of the car Ted drove. Cody was in the passenger seat. They had been at their observation point for an hour. Cody turned to look at their boss, a look of confusion on his face.
"Sorry, Codes. We've been here an hour, and McMahon's men just now showed up. It's seven thirty. You'd think they would have the brains to arrive early enough to scout the area. That's always been McMahon's problem, over confidence. Even if we hadn't been warned, showing up only fifteen minutes before a job? That's over confident, lazy behavior." Randy couldn't help but laugh again.
Cody chuckled. "Yeah, you're right. That's why we got the hit at the museum. Ted and I were there two hours before Bálor. That's how we knew when, how and where to move to hide. Say boss, any idea who the fox in the hen house is?" He turned back to watch the coffee shop.
"Not a clue. Normally, I wouldn't trust a rat like that, but he saved Adam. That went a long way with me. I also have to consider this could be trap. If it proves not to be, then I will trust him even further. It does make me wonder why. Speaking of, I haven't forgotten, we have a possible rat in our midst. I want Ryder to set up that false drug pick up soon. We should be hearing something about Jericho by the end of the week. Styles said he messed up that shipment to County Hospital and a few private practice offices. I wonder who Doctor Ambrose uses? Maybe he would switch to OP if I talked to him." Randy mused as the waited for Heath to arrive.
John Morrison and AJ Styles waited in their hidden position. "Want to move, or is this close enough?" AJ asked as JoMo loaded the knock out pellet into the small "gun."
JoMo closed the loading chamber. "I got it. Remember, this baby has an unbelievable range, at least half a mile. You got the note?"
AJ patted his pocket. "I used comic sans, thought it would add another punch of insult, with red ink...blood red."
JoMo chuckled softly. "You can be pure evil sometimes. Oh…there's Heath." JoMo turned deadly serious It was time to work.
Sheamus chuckled. "Right on time. Let him get into the shop. I'll go, toss, then you pick me up at the spot." Sheamus fingered the device in his hands.
Cesaro smiled at Sheamus. "Then we'll go have our breakfast. He's in. I'll see you in two minutes." He gave Sheamus a small kiss.
Sheamus got out of the car and walked toward Heath's car. Cesaro pulled out of the parking lot and went up half a block to wait.
Just as Sheamus raised his hand to toss the magnet, JoMo fired the pellet gun. Sheamus fell to the ground a split second later.
JoMo and AJ hurried to the fallen redhead. He was between their car and Heath's. AJ tucked the note into Sheamus' gloved hand. JoMo carefully picked up the small square magnetic device.
"Bring me the box." JoMo spoke to AJ. He didn't move a muscle and held his breath.
AJ brought a lead lined box to JoMo. The box was heavy, even though it was only the size of a shoe box. He opened it and put it down on the ground. AJ stepped away from the box.
"Do not move, or breathe till I shut this box." JoMo moved slowly as he knelt down. He kept his hand steady as he held the device. JoMo carefully put the device in a smaller box. He gently closed the lid of the small box, then he closed the larger box. He spun the lock. A light on the box turned green.
"Okay, let's go." JoMo picked up the box and put it in the trunk of his car, in a special padded area, made for the box. He and and AJ got into the car, just as Heath came out of the coffee shop with his usual eight cups in two specially made carrying boxes.
"Oops, fall did you?" Heath chuckled when he saw a passed out Sheamus. He got a thumbs up from JoMo. Heath knew his car was safe to touch and drive.
Soon Heath pulled out and headed for the Orton Pharmaceuticals building. AJ followed Heath. He was pleased to have a new device to learn about.
Randy laughed as he saw Sheamus face down in the parking lot. Ted pulled up next to Cesaro, who waited for Sheamus. Randy rolled down his window.
"You might want to go find your friend. Have a nice day. Give my regards to Vince." Randy gave Cesaro a very small salute. Ted sped off.
It took a moment for Randy's words to sink in. When they did, Cesaro made a U turn and went back to the coffee shop. A man and woman were trying to rouse Sheamus. The man pulled out his cell phone to call for an ambulance. Before he could call, Cesaro arrived. He ran over to Sheamus.
"Don't call. He is my friend. This happens, he has a medical disorder. Thank you for trying to help." Cesaro wanted the couple to go away. So, he made up the story.
"Okay. I've read about that. Good luck. Come on, dear. His friend knows what to do." The woman pulled at the man. Something told her, this man was not to be messed with. The man followed his wife into the coffee shop.
"Shea, liebchen, wake up." Cesaro gently slapped Sheamus' face. Sheamus didn't move. Cesaro saw the note in his lover's hand. He grabbed it an put it in his pocket.
Cesaro ran to his car, and pulled it up next to Sheamus. He managed to get the larger man into the car. For a moment, Cesaro wasn't sure where to go. He knew Sheamus was alive, but he was he just knocked out, or worse?
Cesaro finally decided to take Sheamus to St. Luke's Hospital, but better safe than sorry.
Sheamus moaned when he felt a hand lightly tap his face. Justin tried to rouse the redhead in Stephanie's office at the hospital.
They had actually managed to get Sheamus to the office in a wheelchair. Justin kept the nurses away from the station by sending them to do an early round before lunch. Drake, Cesaro, Justin and Stephanie moved in such a way, their wheelchair patient was hidden from view. They gently placed Sheamus on the couch in Stephanie's office.
Justin began to check Sheamus over, under the very anxious eyes of Cesaro.
"Oh here, this was in his hand." Cesaro remembered the note. He handed it to Stephanie.
"Next time, it will be a deadly poison." Stephanie read the note out loud. She turned to the Swiss German. "Cesaro, what exactly happened?" She was very upset.
"I don't know. We followed the plan to the letter. Shea was going to toss the device. I waited for him half a block up, as planned. I was just starting to wonder why Sheamus took so long, when Orton pulled up. He laughed and told me I'd better go check Sheamus. I did. We're here." Cesaro told Stephanie exactly what had happened, but his eyes never left Sheamus.
Stephanie had to take several deep breaths before she could speak. She couldn't say what she wanted or act how she wanted because they were at the hospital. She had to be Stephanie McMahon, Head of the Children's Department.
"How in the hell did Orton find out about this? Only the seven of you knew about it. I have defended all of you to my father. You all swore on your medals. One of you is a...fox in the hen house. When I find out who, I will personally put a bullet in your head." Stephanie spoke softly, but, to the men in the room, it boomed like thunder.
Drake, Cesaro, and Justin looked at each other. A moan from Sheamus drew their attention. The redhead blinked his eyes against the harsh lights. Cesaro knelt next to the couch an made a protective shield with his hands to help Sheamus.
"Come on, liebchen. Open those eyes for me. Please, Shea, come back to me." Cesaro bent down and kissed Sheamus' cheek.
Sheamus blinked a few more times. When he opened his eyes, he saw his lover. "Cesaro? What...where...accident?" Sheamus wasn't sure what had happened. Had the device accidentally gone off when he tossed it? If so, it shouldn't have happened.
Cesaro smiled and shook his head. "No, liebchen. You were knocked out by one of Orton's men. You've been out for a couple of hours. How do you feel?" His voice was full of concern and it was etched on his face.
"Like I have been hit by a train. My head is killing me. Where...are we?" Sheamus was still a bit dazed and confused.
Justin gently nudged Cesaro. Cesaro moved to let Justin speak to Sheamus. "You are at Saint Luke's, in Miss McMahon's office. You were hit in the shoulder with one of those pellets. It was a knock out drug. The headache is normal. After some rest and aspirin, you will feel better. You need to drink plenty of water too. Stay down. I will get some aspirin. Ma'am?" Justin looked at Stephanie for permission.
"Of course. Get what you need." Stephanie gave Justin a wave of dismissal. She was still very angry.
Cesaro poured Sheamus a glass of water from the pitcher on Stephanie's desk. "Here, Shea. Drink, please." He helped his lover take a few sips of the icy water.
Drake stood in the back corner of the room. He'd watched and listened to everything and everyone. He especially watched Stephanie. He had a thought, and he hoped he was wrong. Could she be the one feeding Orton information in order to take over from her father? It was a terrible thought. He had no idea what to do about it. Maybe Justin would know what to do.
Two hours later, Stephanie was alone in her office. Cesaro had taken Sheamus to rest at the mansion. Drake and Justin had returned to work. It finally gave her time to think about the situation. Stephanie did not like the thought that kept popping up in her mind.
Stephanie wondered, was her father the one feeding information to Orton, in order to keep her from taking over? Was Shane in on it? Was the hatred between Shane and Vince real, or had it always been a set up? Stephanie didn't have any friends she could talk to about this. Maybe Justin would listen. He was the most intelligent and was also the most trustworthy of the seven lieutenants.
Justin and Drake ate lunch in Drake's modest office. They could talk freely and not have to worry about hospital gossip.
Justin could tell Drake had something on his mind, and what ever it was it was serious. "Babe, talk to me. You know you can tell me anything. What ever you have on your mind is serious. Maybe I can help." He really had deep feelings for Drake. It made Justin a bit sad to know the relationship had no real future.
Drake let out a very deep sigh. He toyed with the foil wrapper that held his sandwich. "Justin, what if..." He went on to tell Justin his thoughts about Stephanie. Drake knew he could trust Justin above anyone else. "...so, what do you think? Could it be possible? Could Stephanie be the fox in the hen house? If so, what then? Should I tell Vince? Or am I just grasping at straws?" he almost sounded desperate and his expression showed it.
Justin looked at Drake brow arched The man had just given him an idea that could, if done correctly, turn daughter against father and destroy the McMahon faction from within. It was perfect.
"It's not a very pleasant thought, but it could explain a lot. We know none of us would give Orton information. Makes me wonder about something else. Maybe brother and sister are closer than they let on. I find it very hard to believe Shane could just vanish, without help. Maybe sister Stephanie was that help." Justin spoke with deep thought. If he could work this right, he could keep suspicion off not only himself, but the other lieutenants as well. Justin also knew he would have to tread carefully.
Drake sighed. "I never even thought about that, Shane I mean. As you said, it would explain a lot. She could have sent Shane to one of their homes around the world. He could be in Canada, England, France, Dubai, Sidney or Hawaii, and those are just the places I know about. She could also have hidden him with someone like Del Rio in Mexico. But, what do we do, Justin? Do we tell the old man or just...I dunno… just bring it up at a meeting?" He honestly had no idea of what was the best thing to do.
Justin reached over and laid a hand on Drake's arm. "Breathe and relax. We have to tread very carefully. You can't just blurt this out. We have to think about it. Maybe send people to check out the other houses without accusing her. It could even plant the idea in the idea in the old man's mind. Let's wait and see how the meeting goes tonight. Drake, you know I feel about you, but leave this to me. I am a bit better at talking. You know what I mean." Justin gave Drake an apologetic look.
Drake leaned over and gave Justin a small kiss. "I get it, babe. I know my mouth runs fast sometimes, but not as much as Finn's. Seriously, you're right. Plant the seeds and watch them grow. The old man might be old fashioned and set in his ways, but he is far from stupid. I also agree about waiting to see what happens tonight. I won't stand for her accusing one of us. But, don't worry, I will keep quiet. Besides, if she does, Finn will run his mouth..." He was interrupted when Justin's pager went off.
Justin read the short message. "Hum, Madame Stephanie wants to see me. I'd better go. Don't want to worsen her mood. I'll see you later, babe." He gave Drake a kiss and hurried off to Stephanie McMahon's office. What could she want?
"...So, what do you think, Justin? Could father and Shane be working together? Could he be hiding Shane? How else could he be hidden so well? Not even the cops can do that." Stephanie had explained her idea to Justin. He was the only one she truly and fully trusted.
Justin couldn't believe what he'd heard. This was going to be easier than he thought. Still, he had to play it extremely carefully, and Justin knew he had to keep on his toes.
"Well, that is a thought, ma'am. As you said, it would explain a lot. Ma'am if you're right, he could have hidden Shane at one of your compounds across the world. I think you should send people to search those places. I would also not mention you are the real person behind it. You don't want your father on your ass, if he catches on that you suspect him. I will do what I can to help you, ma'am. I also know you are angry about this morning, but I stand behind the council. We would never betray you, ma'am." Justin looked Stephanie directly in the eye. It was his gift. He could lie and never give it away.
Justin only wished he could record conversations, but it was too risky. Any slight thing could trigger an audible sound that would give him away. Maybe Hunter could do something, he made a mental note to ask later.
Stephanie tapped her fingers together. "You speak with wisdom, Justin. Yes, we will search the overseas properties. Even if I am wrong about father, Shane could have gone to one of them on his own. He loves the Hawaii property. Justin, I know you have faith in your council brothers, but even you have to face it. If father isn't behind Shane, someone is. Only the seven of you knew about the hit on Slater. That can mean only one thing. There is a fox in the hen house. My question is, which one of them would be...so stupid? She gave Justin a very hard glare.
Justin nodded. "I understand, ma'am. You'll see, somehow we will prove our loyalty to you. I need to get back to the children. I will see you at the meeting. Ma'am, it will be alright." He gave Stephanie a nod of deep respect. She returned the nod, the both went back to work.
At Adam's house, Adam sat at the kitchen table with Randy. Adam had been shocked when his ex-husband had shown up after lunch. Ida made the couple a pot of coffee, then went upstairs to clean the children's rooms.
At first Adam was a bit wary, then he remembered, treat Randy like Randy, and he felt better and more at ease.
"Two things. I wanted to make sure everything was alright after the storm. I know how scared the kids get, especially Jade and Jordan. Was the shelter okay?" Randy asked as a concerned parent.
Adam smiled. "Yeah, the shelter was fine. I am so glad you had it installed. James was the best. Once in the shelter, he got them to play cards. The garage storage came in handy too. The power was out till sometime early this morning. We had a living room camp out. Dean made tomato soup and grilled cheese. He told funny stories and the kids forgot all about the scare with the storm. Randy, he is wonderful with them. James really picks up on Dean's bravery. So, what's the second thing? Are you canceling out on James and Janice's band concert?" Adam gave Randy that annoyed look he was so good at when they had been married.
Randy nearly cowed at the look. That was part of Adam he didn't miss one bit. "No, Addy. I am not. But, I do need to...cancel my weekend. I tried to get out of it, but a company is sending a rep from Japan. I've been working on landing a deal with this company for two months. I can't send one of the boys, the Japanese are offended by things like that. He is coming to see the owner and President of the company. I can't very well call and say sorry, I can't this weekend. I hope you understand, Adam. It kills me to miss a weekend, but, the company does help keep the children and provides for their future. I'll tell them if you want. I don't want them to blame you. You know I don't do this often." Randy gave Adam and earnest look. He just couldn't tell Adam the real reason for missing the weekend.
"Of course I understand, Ran. You can't help that he chose this weekend to come. I think they would be more upset with you missing the concert. I will handle it, no problem. It's so much easier now, by not working at the hospital. I miss the ward patients, but not all the charting and paperwork. I spend more time with Doctor Bic Pen than the patients sometimes. I'm looking forward to something new at Dean's practice. I may even go back and take surgical nursing classes. Then I can help Dean in the operating room. Oh…Randy! I've done something horrible without even thinking about you..." Adam gasped when the thought hit his brain.
Randy looked at Adam. "I'm sure it's not as horrible as you think. You, my dear Addy, tend to over react. Tell me what it is, and I'll tell you if it's horrible or not."
Adam rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I know. Randy, our wedding will be on November twenty seventh, in Las Vegas. I forgot, that's Thanksgiving weekend. You always have the kids. I will change it, Dean will understand." Adam let out a sigh, he had honestly totally forgotten.
Randy smiled softly at Adam. "Addy, it's alright. Take the kids and have a wonderful time. You don't get married every day, honey. I wouldn't dream of you changing anything for me. So see, it's not horrible."
Adam smiled at Randy. "Thanks, Ran. I'll make it up to you. You will still come as usual at Christmas, but you can have have extra days with them." He was grateful to Randy. He should have known it would be alright.
"We will work it out, Addy. I am sorry about this weekend. If I get a chance, I will at least call them. I gotta get back to work. Thanks, Adam. I am glad we are friends. I do love you." Randy stood, as did Adam.
"Me too, Ran. It is better for the kids. I love you too. Don't work so hard, Ran. To be honest, you look tired." Adam still worried about Randy, despite what he knew.
Randy scoffed. "I am tired. This Japan deal will solve some of that. There are a lot of hassles in the pharmaceutical business. That's why I kept you out of it, and tried not to bring it home. Okay, my love to the kids and hi to Dean. Take care." He gave Adam a warm hug.
Adam walked Randy to the door, then closed it and reset the alarm. "It's okay Ida, you can come down now, he's gone." Adam laughed when Ida stepped into the kitchen from the backstairs. He poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table in the kitchen.
Adam explained about Randy's visit. "...so I told him we'd work out more time at Christmas." Adam let out a sigh that he didn't mean to let out.
Ida poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down with Adam. "Honey, you haven't been yourself for a few days. Are you and Dean having problems?" She knew something was not right with Adam.
Adam looked at Ida. Maybe she should know, for the sake of the children. "Ida, if I tell you, you can not act any differently around the kids, or especially around Randy. It mean it, Ida. It is extremely serious. It could even be dangerous for you to know. So, do you really want to hear it?" He gave Ida the most serious look he'd ever given her.
Ida nodded. "I think you'd better tell me, honey. If could mean danger to the children, or you. I need to know. It's about Randy isn't it?" She always felt there more to Randal Orton than he let show.
Adam sighed. "Hang on to your set, buckle up and listen..." For the next hour, Adam told Ida everything he knew about Randy, the notebook, and his talk with Hunter, Bret, Shawn, Jason and Dean.
"...they have hidden the notebook guy. Hunter and Bret warned us, Randy has to be treated like the Randy we know. We can't ever let on to what he really is. It kills me, knowing what he is, but I also know, Randy would never hurt the kids or let anything happen to them. Ida, I love you, you know that, but you have to do this." Adam was serious as he spoke to the beloved housekeeper.
Ida looked at Adam. She in turn told about the instructions Hunter had given her last week. "I did as Hunter asked. Adam, to be honest, I am not that surprised about Randy. I always felt he hid something. It's worse than I thought. Don't worry, son. I will treat Randy like normal. Adam, I hope he gets put behind bars. Those are the people that sell illegal drugs to innocent children."
"I agree with you, Ida. He is a criminal. He has had people killed. It terrifies me, but I have to be level headed and keep that poor notebook guy safe. If they found him...I couldn't live with that. Dean reminded me of that, and he is right. Ida, thank you. I didn't feel right about keeping it from you." Adam hugged Ida. Being in her motherly arms, finally gave Adam the release he needed. All the tears he'd held in since he'd learned about the man he once loved poured out.
Ida shed a few tears of her own. Not for herself, but for all the heartache Adam had suffered and still suffered because of Randal Orton.
Doctor Dean Ambrose finished his rounds at Children's Mercy Hospital. He actually loved tending to his patients, then leaving. Oh, being the Department Head was good, but this was better. No hospital politics and best of all, no Stephanie McMahon on his ass. He was in a great mood. He was going to pick the kids up from school. Dean loved his new life and would love it even more after he and Adam were married.
Justin took a moment to stop at his condo before going to the McMahon mansion. He needed to text Hunter. He pulled out one of the disposable phones and put in the SIM card he kept in the safe. He typed a message and hit send. He'd also told Hunter to respond within twelve hours. He hid the cell phone in a hole in the underside of his mattress, just in case Drake came home with him after the meeting.
Justin hurried to the mansion. As he drove, his mind raced. He had to do everything in his power to keep his secret safe.
Justin was the one they hunted for, but, they just didn't know, he was the fox in the hen house.