As soon as Hunter got the text message from Justin, he went to see Bret Hart. Bret had just gotten home from work, and invited Hunter into the house. They locked themselves into Bret's home office. Jason was also there, on his computer.
"Justin wants to know if there a listening device that won't make any interference noise. Like if there is a bug sweeper in use, or WIFI interference. He said if there was, he could wear it." Hunter explained the text message.
It was Jason who spoke. "Yes, there is, if my friend can get it. A button won't work though. It can't be removed and used again. It weakens the device. Hey, don't the McMahon's wear some kind of medal?"
Bret spoke up. "Yeah, they do. We took photos and made an imprint of the one Alberto Del Rio wore. Something told me it could be important. I used dental putty and made an imprint of both sides, and took detailed pictures. I have it in my safe at work." Bret gave a shrug. He always followed his instincts, and this time he'd be right.
"That's why I love this man. Tell Justin we will work something out. He will have to meet us again, but it will only take a few minutes." Jason smiled at his husband, and Hunter.
Hunter returned Jason's smile. "I will do that. So what, two days?"
"Give me three. My buddy is on a big case. Might take a day to hear from him." Jason replied as he looked at his computer.
"Thanks, Jason. I'd better get home, Shawn is taking us out to dinner. Megan's first time out celebration." Hunter stood.
Bret grinned. "That's wonderful, Hunt. I am pleased she is doing so well. Oh, that's why those advanced NCIC reports aren't in yet. Between the storm and the case, Jason's friend is swamped. Have fun. Give Megan our love." He shook Hunter's hand and walked him to the door.
At Adam's house, he and Shawn watched as Megan and Dean helped the quads with their homework. The smile on Megan's face was priceless.
Shawn looked at his watch with a sigh. "Meg, we've got to go. Dad will be home soon. We're going out to dinner."
"No! Stay! Meggie Pops just got here! Yeah, stay!" Jade, James, Janice and Jordan all spoke at once.
Dean looked over at Shawn. "Go get Hunter. Come back and eat with us. I am grilling chicken, there is plenty. Ida always makes enough potato salad and baked beans. What's more lettuce in a salad. The kids would love it."
"Yeah, daddy Better than a restaurant. You and dad could have a nice visit too. Please, daddy?" Megan looked at Shawn with a pout.
Adam nudged Shawn. "Go get Hunter, you know you want to. It's her first day out, make her happy." He gave Shawn a pout of his own.
Shawn laughed. "Okay, okay. I can't take pouts from all seven of you! It's enough to make a nun feel guilty. I will be back with dad. I know he will be happier too. Thanks Adam, Dean." Shawn and Adam got up. Adam let Shawn out of the side gate, and then reset the alarm on it.
At the Orton mansion, Randy and his men were in the smoking lounge. They too were waiting for their dinner of barbecue brisket with all the usual trimmings.
"A job well done, gentlemen. John, that pale skinned redhead dropped like a felled oak tree. I wish I had a video. Have you had a chance to study the device?" Randy took a puff from a large Cuban cigar.
Morrison shook his head. "No, and I won't touch it till I have plenty of time. I don't know what triggers it. It isn't something I can rush." He was serious as he spoke to their leader.
Randy nodded. "I can understand that. You take your time and be careful. Remember, it was made by a McMahon fool." He had humor in his voice, but his look was deadly serious.
JoMo chuckled a bit. "That's why I want to be extra careful. I am sure it requires a mechanical interference to detonate, but until I can disarm it, I can't be sure. I will do it over the weekend, in my weapons building room. It's secure against...accidents. AJ, once I get it secured, I will need your computer skills."
"Be glad to help. Oh, by the way, there is still no news from the cop shop. Our friend doesn't know anything either. I've never know a cop shop to be so quiet. I mean, it's just shop talk crap." AJ gave a shrug, he was puzzled.
"Don't worry about it, AJ. There are two reasons why it goes silent. One, there isn't anything going on. Two, they have an idea they've been hacked. I have a thought. Brett's last report said the Helmsley's were at Adam's for supper. I am going to head over there. I can say I wanted to see the kids and say sorry for missing the weekend. Mike, come with, we were out or going out to dinner and wanted to stop by for a minute. I can sniff around, gauge Hunter's expressions. Come on, Mikey. You guys eat, but save us some." Randy stood. He and Mike hurried to get to Adam's.
At Adam's house, Megan and the quads played on the redwood swing set. They laughed like darling little angels.
As they watched from the patio, both Shawn and Hunter swiped tears from their eyes. While still not a healthy child, Megan was so much better. With her insulin under better control with the pump, Megan had blossomed. Still, she had to be careful of her weakened heart.
Adam and Dean smiled at Megan's parents. "It's okay guys, I'd be emotional too. I am just glad it helped her so much. Just…I don't mean to dampen your happiness..." Dean was halted by Shawn.
"We know, Dean. Her heart is still weak. I was just about to call her to come rest." Shawn spoke with a serious tone. He knew Megan was not a well child.
Dean turned the chicken one last time. "Time for them to wash up anyway. Sorry, Shawn, I should have known better." He gave Shawn a nod.
Hunter and Adam went to take the children in to wash up for dinner. Shawn helped Dean dish up the barbecued chicken.
"Not mad at you, Dean. I am thankful to you, we all are. I love seeing her just be a kid. That wouldn't be possible without you. I...her heart…is a worry. We want her to have fun, but we still have to warn her. You should have seen the reunion between Meg and Champion, it was...beautiful. Dean would...could a transplant help?" Shawn hated the thought, it was risky. However, the reward would be wonderful.
Dean put the platter of chicken on the picnic table. "I've thought about it. I need to consult with Doctor Brock Lesnar. Shawn, it is a huge risk. One I won't take if it's not right. But, if you are serious, I will talk to Brock. Just...keep in mind, it could be...fatal." He always spoke the truth, even if it was harsh.
Shawn nodded "Hunter and I will talk…" He hushed when Adam and Hunter returned with Megan, the quads, Randy and Mike.
Randy spoke. "Sorry to invade, we won't stay long. I just wanted to be the one to tell the kids about the weekend." Randy paused as everyone but he and Mike settled around the picnic table.
Randy continued. "Kids, I can't see you this weekend. A businessman from Japan is coming to talk business. I can't be rude and tell him no. And, before you ask, I will be at the band concert in a couple of weeks, I promise. I am really sorry about the weekend. I will make it up to you on our next weekend together. We will go to Saint Louis and do whatever you want. Again, my darlings, I am sorry." He was truly sorry to miss time with his children.
James spoke for his siblings. "Daddy told us, but we understand, dad. Uncle Dean told us people from Japan are serious about business and the man would be offended if you changed the plan. Remember to bow, we learned that in world culture class." He took a bite of food, he was a very hungry little boy.
Randy chuckled. "I will remember, James. Thank you. Do any of you need school money or lunch card charges?" It was a question he usually asked his kids on his weekends with them.
Jade wiped her face then spoke. "Yes, dad. Jordan and I need ten dollars for workbooks, please."
"Five dollars each, dad. New science workbooks. Please, dad." Jordan made it more clear. Jade had made it sound like the workbooks were ten dollars each.
Randy pulled out his wallet. He gave Jade and Jordan five dollars each. "Lunch cards okay?" He took his responsibility to pay for his children's education seriously.
James thought for a moment. "Yes, we do need lunch card money. Should I tell Miss Betty to bill you?" He took another bite of food.
"Yep. Tell her one hundred each. That should last the rest of the year, but tell me if you need more. Well, I guess we'd better go, I am taking Mike to dinner. Meggie Pops, you look so pretty, honey." Randy placed a kiss to the top of Megan's head.
"Thanks, Uncle Randy. It's my first day out celebration. Hey, we have plenty. Stay and eat with us. The more the merrier!" Megan smiled at Randy.
"Yeah, dad. You and Mizzie can eat with us. Please?" Janice ashed Randy, with hope in her eyes. Of all the quads, she had the strongest attachment to her dad.
Adam nodded. "You are both more than welcome to stay. The kids would love it."
Randy looked at Mike. Mike nodded with a smile. "Well, if you're sure. It does look delicious. Shawn, Hunter, Dean, do you mind?"
Dean smiled. "Not at all. I grilled plenty. Come on, sit. I'll get some plates." He stood and went into the kitchen.
Randy and Mike sat next to Adam. "Thank you. I didn't mean to invade your dinner. I just wanted to see the kids for a minute." Randy spoke with an apologetic look.
"Don't fret about it, Ran. We are glad to have you and you too, Mike. Thanks for wanting to see the kids about the weekend." Adam gave Randy a pat on the back.
Soon everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner Dean and Ida had made. Shawn knew Hunter was having a hard time, because he barely spoke. He gave his detective husband a nudge under the table. Shawn saw that Randy had slyly noticed how Hunter acted.
Hunter felt Shawn's nudge, and knew what it meant. "Sorry, I zoned out. This bank case is taxing me...no pun intended." He took a huge bite of food.
Randy chewed his own bite of food. "I know about taxes. Does it have to do with that counterfeit money going around? One of our pharmacy accounts had a big problem with some counterfeit money." He fished for any information that Hunter would slip. Randy also knew there was not a counterfeit money problem. His inside informer had at least known that much. Maybe Hunter would slip and reveal his real case.
"Yeah, it's a big problem. Maybe you can actually help. Which pharmacy was it? We are trying to see if there is a area problem, or if it is city wide." Hunter immediately knew Randy was fishing for a slip, well he wasn't going to get one. Hunter stuck to his cover story like a glue stick on construction paper.
Mike spoke up. "Russel's Rexall on Jefferson Street. Not far from Saint Luke's Hospital." Mike knew if Hunter checked, it would be one of their accounts.
Randy gave Mike a pat on the back. "Thanks, I'd forgotten exactly which pharmacy. That's Mike's department. I have enough on my plate with the potential Japan deal." He knew Mike would make the cover arrangements. He was also proud of Mike and how fast he could think on his feet.
"I will check on it tomorrow. Thanks, Mike. Any little thing could help." Hunter gave Mike a nod and took a bite of potato salad.
"Dad, no cop talk, please? I want happy talk. This is my celebration. So, Jan, James got a new song for me?" Megan wasn't rude, she just wanted to be happy.
"Yeah, we do! We will play it for you after dinner! Dad, will you listen too?" James perked up. He and Jan did have a new song for their friend.
"Well..." Randy wasn't exactly sure how long his invitation would be.
Adam looked at his ex. "It won't take long. The kids would love it." He wanted Randy to know he was welcome to stay.
"Then, I would love to hear it. Did you and Jor paint pictures to go with the song, Jade?" Randy asked like a very proud parent.
"Yes, we did." Jade and Jordan chorused.
Megan laughed. "I can't wait. I have missed you four so much. Let's hurry up and finish!" She stuffed her mouth so full, she looked like a chipmunk.
"Megan Ann Helmsley, try to remember you are a lady, not a starving lumberjack." Shawn gently chastised his daughter's table manners.
Everyone laughed. The happy celebration continued around the picnic table.
At the McMahon mansion, dinner had ended. In a rare moment, Vince held the council meeting in their cigar/bar lounge. Even Stephanie enjoyed a cigar and brandy.
Stephanie spoke. "Father, have you considered that Shane could have gone to one of our overseas properties, or the one in Canada? I think we need to send men to search. I'd start with Hawaii personally. Shane probably thought we wouldn't think of it. He could move from place to place. I've said it before, each property should have full time security. You never thought it was needed as long as housekeeper came once a week. Shane knows that. He could move out before the cleaner arrives. So?" As she spoke, smoke wafted out of her mouth. It gave the crime boss, the look of an angry dragon.
Justin grinned internally, he was glad Stephanie was first off the mark. She was easier to deal with than the old man. He couldn't help but wonder how this would play out.
Vince looked at his daughter, his eyes narrowed slightly. Maybe, just maybe Stephanie wasn't working with Shane...or was she? Maybe it was the old trick, of hide your own crime by suggesting a solution.
"Our places are all off main roads and well fenced. No need to spend thousands a week on full time around the world security. But, you could be right. Mister Bálor, I want you to make the arrangements to have our international properties searched. Contact the bosses in the locations where you can. Warn them, if they find Shane, they are to hold him, but they are not to hurt him. Now, what I want to know is, how did fucking Orton know about the hit on Slater? Shane comes second for now." Vince took a sip of brandy, the puffed his cigar like a steam engine going up hill.
Finn nodded. "I'll get started on the Shane issue. On the other, we have no idea, sir. None of us in this room would even think of betraying you. Sir, are there any...hidden passages or rooms in this house, that someone could use as a listening post?" He'd had the idea after he read a novel where that very thing had happened.
Stephanie shook her head. "No, only the panic room, which goes underground. It's nowhere near the conference room. Unless there is something I don't know, father?" Her brow arched at the older man. Her eyes held suspicion.
Vince picked up on Stephanie's look, but wasn't sure if it was directed at him, or the situation in general. He took another puff, exhaled, then spoke.
"No, Stephanie. You're right. There is just the safe room. When I built this, I thought about it, but decided against it, for that very reason. I didn't want anyone to be able to listen to our meetings. Mister McIntyre, is there any way to bug a room without actually placing a device in the room?" He looked over at the handsome Scotsman.
Drew nodded. "Yes, there are ways, but, they are very difficult. It would require a very powerful parabolic microphone. The person would have to be with it. There isn't any place for him to hide and listen. If there is another way, I don't know about it." He was puzzled. Shane would not have access to that kind of equipment, it was CIA and black ops type equipment.
Drake spoke up. "Sir, ma'am, it could be possible Orton just got lucky. Maybe he just...got lucky. Think about this, maybe he didn't know about Slater. Maybe he had his own idea to hit us I am not explaining this very well, Justin you are better at this." He looked at his boyfriend and hoped Justin understood.
"What Drake means is, maybe Orton was just waiting for us to make a hit. They saw Sheamus and Cesaro, and hit Sheamus as soon as he was alone. So, Orton got lucky. I know it's been said ad nauseam, but no one here would even think of betraying you." Justin put Drake's thoughts to better words.
Stephanie nodded with a final exhale of smoke. "I suppose that could be possible. It would explain it. I don't want to think of any of you would betray us. But, if you were me, how would it look?" She still wasn't sure, but Drake's thought was plausible.
"I agree with my daughter. Perhaps that bastard did get lucky. Next time, you have to be more careful. If Orton was there an hour before us, next time we get there two hours before. If I have an issue with anything, it is the fact that you take Orton for granted. You are the best at what you do, but sharpen up, gentlemen. Am I understood?" Vince spoke sternly to his seven lieutenants.
"Yes, sir. I take responsibility. We should have gotten there sooner and checked the area. I blame myself for everything, especially Sheamus getting hit, and hurt. I will never let it happen again. I am truly and humbly sorry." Cesaro spoke in a quiet voice, with an apologetic expression on his face.
Sheamus spoke. "i am not going to let you take the entire blame. I should have made sure we were there sooner. I should have been more aware of the environment. I am sorry it happened, trust me; I still have a bit of a headache. No, Justin, nothing serious, more like a bad hangover." Sheamus put up a hand when Justin had started to get up.
Sheamus continued. "As Cesaro said, it won't happen again, sir, ma'am. I just can't let all the blame fall on Cesaro." He finished with the usual nod of respect to father and daughter.
Stephanie returned the nod. "Everyone is to blame, including father and I. We have all seriously underestimated Orton and his men. Father, I take it you agree?" Stephanie gave her father a hard look.
Again, Justin smiled internally, not only had the seeds been planted, they had already taken root. He could tell, father and daughter were questioning each other.
Vince looked at Stephanie just as hard. "Yes, I suppose so. I don't know if I believe any of this, to be honest. It is a bit strange that Orton could get so lucky so often. Our friends in Chicago want the Orton faction gone. Including Orton senior. They are causing our Chicago friends a lot of trouble. I swore to them we would handle the situation. Trust me, none of you want to piss off the Chicago faction. So, what are we going to do to get Orton under our control?" His eyes turned from Stephanie to his lieutenants.
Wade, Finn, Sheamus, Cesaro, Drew and Drake all looked at Justin. Just knew they looked to him because of his calm way of speaking and for the ideas he had. But this time, Justin didn't have a clue.
"Guys, it isn't up to me. I have to work at the hospital all day, so does Drake. What can we do? You are intelligent men. Have you let yourselves forget how to think? You are my brothers, but I can't do it all." Justin was a little fed up. He didn't mind being the spokesperson, but he would not give ideas that would cause harm. Besides, he'd spoken the truth, the men were growing soft.
Finn Bálor spoke. "Justin is right. It is not up to him to solve our problems. I have an idea, something that will get Orton's attention." He did indeed have an idea and it would wreak havoc for Randy Orton. The man would be their slave.
Vince McMahon perked. "And just what is this wonderful idea?" He arched his brow at Finn.
Finn looked at their elder leader. "Sir, I say this with the greatest respect, but I am not going to tell anyone, not with a fox in the hen house. You will know when it happens. Do I have your permission?" He trusted his brethren; to a point. Finn didn't buy the fact that Orton always happened to get so lucky.
Stephanie spoke first. "Father, I think Mister Bálor is right. We should let him carry on. That way, we can be sure Orton won't get lucky again. If no one else knows then neither can Orton." She too felt much the same as Finn. Until the fox was ratted out, she didn't fully trust anyone, not even her father.
Vince sat back in his over sized leather chair, and pressed his fingertips together. "You're right, dear. Mister Bálor, you have permission to carry out your idea. One condition, I don't want anyone killed." He gave Finn a nod.
Finn returned the nod. "I'll handle it, sir, ma'am. Um...what would happen if...well...it was a serious...no, never mind. I understand. I am not saying anything. Even a word could be a clue." He spoke firmly.
"Alright, Mister Bálor. Let me rephrase what I said. Try really hard not to kill anyone I am aware that...accidents can happen. I just want Orton under our control as soon as possible. You have my full blessings and good luck." Vince ended with a wave of his hand.
Finn looked at Stephanie. "Ma'am what do you say?" He wanted the blessings of both McMahon's. Finn didn't want to have to chose sides.
Stephanie smiled at Finn. "I say yes as well. I also agree with father. Try not to kill anyone. We want Orton under our control, not out of control with anger. However we do know accidents can happen." She ended with a nod of her own. She almost felt sorry for Finn's intended victim. She knew how vicious Bálor could be.
Justin knew he couldn't afford to ask Finn any questions. The man was too smart. He could potentially put two and two together. Justin just prayed Finn's intentions weren't as evil as the look on his face.
At Adam's house, everyone clapped and cheered as James and Jan finished their saxophone and flute duet. They also applauded the two drawings Jordan and Jade had done to go with the song.
"That was marvelous, my monkeys. Those paintings of Champion and I were perfect. May I have them?" Megan asked with a huge smile on her face.
"Yes!" Jordan and Jade spoke together. They handed Megan the two pieces of artwork. Jordan had drawn a more abstract version of Champion running in a field. Jade had painted a more realistic picture of Megan riding Champion as they jumped over a creek. The song had the tempo of a running and jumping horse. For seven year olds, it was outstandingly good.
"Thank you so much. It was a wonderful first day out." Megan's smile grew even brighter as she held her treasures.
Randy stood, as did Mike. "That was wonderful, my darlings. Thank you for letting us stay and listen, but Mike and I need to leave." He hugged and kissed his children as they went to their dad. Mike also hugged the quads.
When Rand and Mike were gone, Dean took the kids upstairs to have their baths. Adam walked Hunter, Shawn and Megan to the door.
Hunter gave Adam a look. Adam knew it was about Randy. "We will talk later." Hunter spoke quietly in Adam's ear.
"Okay." Adam replied simply. No way could they talk in front of Megan.
After goodbyes, hugs and kisses were exchanged. Adam shut the door, and set the alarm. He went upstairs to join in the bath time fun.
As Mike drove toward the Orton mansion, Randy sighed. "Be sure you take care of that pharmacy, just in case Hunter follows up to keep his cover. Bastard knew I was fishing. That just proves he's up to something. Question is, what does he know, how much does he know and how did he come to know it?"
"I don't know, Ran. We'll try to find out. But, it won't be easy. If he is on to something, he wouldn't talk at the station. You can bet it won't be on the computer either. Our work just got a lot harder. Yes, I will take care of the pharmacy matter." Mike spoke as they waited at a stop light.
Rand let out another sigh. "I know. All I can hope for is that the fox in McMahon's hen house keeps warning us. Hunter has always been a tight lipped son of a bitch. Weren't the kids fantastic. Sometimes I can't believe Adam and I created them." He spoke like the proud father he was.
Mike accelerated when the light turned green. "You're smart, Ran. Adam is a bit of an artist. Ran...did you ever...I would love to have a baby with you..." He let his words fade. He didn't want to push Randy too hard.
Randy reached over and caressed Mike's cheek as they waited at another red light. "We can talk about it. I am not against it, we could make a beautiful baby. I just don't know if the time is right. Things with McMahon are getting more heated. I would hate for anything to happen to you if you were pregnant." Randy spoke honestly and hoped Mike understood.
The light changed, Mike drove on. "I understand, Ran. I really do. I would hate to have something happen too. I am more happy that you didn't say no altogether. Any clue as to who the McMahon fox is?" He turned down the street that led to the mansion.
"Not a clue. I honestly don't care as long as he keeps ratting McMahon out. Well, let's fill the boys in." Randy smiled as Mike parked in the multi car garage.
Adam and Dean were curled up together in the bed. Adam's head rested on Dean's chest. Dean held Adam in his arms.
"You did really well, baby. I was more worried that Hunter would blow a gasket. Shawn was too. Weren't the kids wonderful." Dean spoke through a yawn.
Adam nuzzled against Dean's warm skin. "My babies are so talented. I sometimes wonder how Randy and I managed to create them, but I am glad we did. Not thinking about Randy, I don't want nightmares. I have too much to do tomorrow. I will pick up the kids." He grew tired at the thought of all the errands he had to do.
Dean held Adam closer. "We would make a pretty baby too. Only...one at a time, please. What all do you have to do tomorrow?" Dean kissed the top of Adam's blond head.
"Groceries, home, then over to Independence. Bank, thrift sop, art supply store, drop off dry cleaning, then pick up kids. No after school tomorrow." Adam yawned again.
Dean chuckled. "Add Staples to that, please. I need some things at the office. I will give you a list in the morning. Just small stuff. Sleep, baby. I love you so much." He gave Adam a kiss.
"Okay. I love you so very much." Adam kissed Dean's chest. I didn't take long for the engaged couple to fall into a deep sleep.
In his room at the McMahon mansion, Finn laid out his plan to Wade. "...so you lead Adam's tail away. I just need two minutes. By three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Adam will have a serious accident. It will be up to him to survive. I am sure he is a good driver, even if his brakes are cut." Finn and Wade both let out evil chuckles.