Adam and Ida finished putting away all the groceries. "I've got to go. I have a million things to do in Independence. I'll pick up the kids. I'll have supplies to drop off for Mister Bowen." Adam grabbed his keys and made sure he had Dean's list for office supplies. That was one errand he didn't mind doing.
"At least there wasn't any dry cleaning this week. Please, eat some lunch. Drive safely." Ida smiled as Adam headed out the door.
"I will, to both. See you later." Adam went out to the garage and got into the Kia.
Brett DiBiase called his teammate, and reported that Adam was on the move. The man would tail Adam on his motorcycle. His job; keep Adam in sight every second, even in stores. It wasn't easy, but he did it, and would do it today.
Finn Bálor and Wade Barrett trailed Adam as well. "I bet that motorcycle is Adam's protector. He's followed every move the Kia makes. You can bet he will follow Adam into the store, especially if you show yourself. When we park, wait two minutes, then get out of the car. When you get out, I'll wait thirty seconds. Your job will be to get the tail to follow you to the back of the store. Wait for two more minutes, then leave. I will do enough to cause a slow leak. The blond bitch will crash on I-seventy back to KC or maybe on Truman Road. Depends, either will cause problems." Finn spoke, then quickly slipped over the passenger seat into the backseat. Finn went down on the floorboard, then covered himself with a blanket. He was going to be prepared this time.
Adam made his first stop at the bank. "It's a bank, Finn." Wade spoke over his shoulder.
"No, too risky. Let me know what's next." Finn replied from his hidden place in the back.
Adam did his bank business and came out with his bag of eight rolls of quarters. The bag also had several wrappers for quarters. He locked his bag in the glove box. Then headed to the art supply shop. It was a small mom and pop store.
Once again, Finn said to wait. The shop was too small, he would easily be seen. It was the same at the thrift store, plus there were too many people.
As they watched from their car across the alley from the thrift store, Wade spoke to Finn on the floorboard.
"Why on earth would someone as wealthy as Orton's ex-bitch, shop in a thrift shop?" Wade had a tone of disgust in his voice.
Finn chuckled. "Play clothes for the kids. Four growing kids, playing outside? Better to ruin a fifty cent pair of shorts instead of name brand clothes. Also, I'd buy men's shirts for a kid to wear while painting or doing other art stuff. You'd better start thinking like that. Babies grow fast. Spend a bit for dressing the baby nicely to go out, but at home?" He knew about it, because he wore thrift store clothes as a kid in Ireland. His mother also bought old cotton shirts and dresses to make quilts.
"That makes sense. Wow, I haven't even thought about buying things for the baby. Oh Finn, how am I going to do this without Alberto?" Wade became emotional. Baby hormones didn't help, as he sniffed deeply.
Finn stayed hidden, but managed to reach around between the driver's seat and door. He touched Wade gently.
"Don't cry, Wade. Don't worry, I will be there for you. I'm your friend. I will even be there during the birth, if you want. How about some baby shopping later?" Finn meant his words. He wasn't about to let Wade go through this alone.
Besides, unbeknownst to Wade, Finn had promised Alberto to look after Wade if everything ever happened to him, and he always kept his promises.
Wade patted Finn's hand. "Thanks, my friend. I'm sorry, guess my hormones are a bit...crazy. I'd like that. Something pretty, for a sweet baby girl." He smiled even though Finn couldn't see it. Wade was glad Finn was a good friend he could depend on.
"You are so sure it's a girl. Got a name in mind?" Finn pulled his hand back and made sure he was covered.
"Yes, Alberta Maria. I guess you can figure out why. Oh, here we go, he just came out. I hope he makes another stop." Wade watched as Adam got into the Kia with two bags from the thrift store.
After a fifteen minute drive, Adam pulled into a big box store strip mall. There was Lowe's, Best Buy, Staples and a Pets Mart. Adam parked close to the Staples. Sure enough, the motorcycle parked several places down from the Kia and picked up his phone. He held it so it hid his face, but he could still see Adam.
"He pulled out a list. Okay, I'm going...now." Wade got out the car. He looked like he checked for his weapon. As planned, the guy on the motorcycle saw Wade.
"Brett, Barrett just went into the store where Adam went. I am following." The motorcycle rider spoke to Brett DiBiase through a microscopic microphone as he walked. He couldn't let Barrett get anywhere near Adam.
"Ten-four. Stay on Barrett." Brett instructed into the nearly invisible ear bud the motorcycle rider wore. It was military grade equipment.
"Roger that. He was alone." The man informed Brett, then concentrated on following Barrett. The man had gone to the very back of the store.
Wade looked at items, as if he were shopping. He also glanced at his watch. He had to keep the man busy for two minutes.
Finn slid out of the backseat like snake. He crawled behind the car next to theirs, then to the Kia. Finn slid under Adam's car. No one noticed the man in the pavement color sweat suit as he moved. Finn could always say he dropped something and it rolled under the car if a person got curious.
Finn found the brake line. He poked a hole in it with his pen knife. Fluid began to drip out slowly. Finn knew any time Adam applied the brakes, it would drip much faster. Adam would be able to drive quite far, before the brakes would fail totally. Finn also pulled the thin cable that warned Adam the fluid was low. An accident was bound to happen.
Bálor then made his way back to his and Wade's car. He got in and quickly hid once again. The entire process had taken him ninety seconds. He had it down to a science. Finn had done the same thing many times in his years in service to the bosses he'd worked for in Ireland and the McMahon's.
Wade looked at his watch. He grabbed a pack of pens. He checked out and left. He knew the motorcycle rider followed him. He moved casually as he headed back to his car. He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. He grinned, motorcycle man stayed to watch Adam.
When they were several blocks away, Wade spoke. "Someone will be in trouble." He spoke in a sing-song voice.
Finn chuckled. "I wouldn't want to be in his shoes. We far enough for me to come out?" It wasn't the most comfortable place to be.
Wade looked all around and checked his mirrors. "All clear. We are three miles from the shopping area. No one is following us. Come on up."
Finn slid over the seat and settled into the passenger seat. He buckled up. "We should have Orton's attention later. It went like clockwork. No one was able to warn Orton or his ex-bitch." Finn spoke with utter confidence. They had finally followed through on a plan with no interference.
Wade glanced over at Finn as they waited at a stop light. "Finn, my friend, don't celebrate until we hear if it worked or not. Remember what they warned you about. I just don't want you in trouble with the bosses. You know what I mean." He accelerated when the light turned green. He was headed back to the McMahon mansion.
Finn sighed. "You're right, Wade. It is a bad habit. If you weren't cocky and confident on the streets, you got beat up, then...my brother…thanks, Wade. You never lose your patients with me. When we get back, I will clean up, take you to lunch, then we'll go buy something nice for Alberta Maria. Want to? Or would you rather rest?"
"How about getting some sub sandwiches, eating at the house, I'll rest while you shower. Then I would love to go shopping." Wade suggested. He had a craving for a Subway sandwich.
"Sounds great. I want a fully loaded Italian BMT." Finn's stomach rumbled in agreement.
Wade laughed. "Me too, with extra pickles. Okay then, here we go." He pulled into another small shopping area that had said restaurant.
Adam finished his shopping. He was really hungry. There was an Applebee's in the strip mall, by the Lowe's. He put the office supplies in the Kia. He hurried over to the restaurant. He indulged on boneless wings, a bacon cheeseburger and onion rings, with iced tea to wash it all down.
The man on the motorcycle also went into the restaurant. He ordered a rack of baby back ribs, salad and a cola. He was worried. Why would Wade Barrett have just shown up and leave? He knew Barrett had been alone, there was no way anyone could have hidden in the back, Barrett's car was a Smart car. It just didn't make any sense. Why would Barrett drive to Independence, just for a pack of pens? It was probably a ruse. McMahon testing the waters. He finished his meal and left before Adam. Still, he waited and watched.
Adam debated, then gave a shrug. He ordered a Blue Ribbon Brownie and coffee. He never treated himself, but why not? Adam felt he deserved it once in a while.
Adam looked at his watch. He had timed it perfectly. He would arrive at St. Luke's Academy, drop off the art supplies, then take the kids home. He finished his coffee, left a nice tip, paid, and headed out. Adam was in a great mood, and the day was beautiful.
The happy blond decided to take Truman Road. While I-70 would be faster, Truman had less traffic. It was also easier access to St. Luke's. Adam tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he listened to 101 The Fox, Kansas City's classic rock radio station.
When he pulled in and parked at St. Luke's Academy, he didn't really notice that his foot mashed a bit harder on the brake when he stopped, because Mr. Bowen had just parked next to him.
"Adam, you just bought supplies last week. You didn't have to do it again." Mr. Bowen was amazed at how generous Adam was.
Adam smiled. "I honestly don't mind. I know how much paint my four can use, especially Jordan with his abstracts. I got a bunch of brushes too. Jade is hard on them. I also got more finger paints and paper. Oh, mine aren't staying today. I will start at Dean's office next week, so you will have them then." He spoke as they walked into the building and went to the after school program room.
The two men talked as they unloaded the bags Adam had brought. Once again, Mr. Bowen was grateful. Just as they put the last items away, the dismissal bell rang.
Adam said goodbye to Mr. Bowen and hurried off to meet his children. Adam found them outside in the car riders waiting area. Mr. Hamilton was with the group of children. Mr. Hamilton apologized again for the fight between Jordan and Ash Jericho.
"Don't worry about it, Mister Hamilton. It wasn't your fault, and he is gone. You are an excellent teacher, but with any job, things happen that aren't in our control." Adam spoke with encouragement to the young teacher.
Mr. Hamilton smiled at Adam. "Thank you, sir. I feel better now, I've been worried about it. Now, you four have a wonderful evening and don't forget your homework."
"We won't, sir." Janice and Jordan chorused.
Adam took his children to the Kia. He loaded Jade behind the driver's seat with Jordan next to her. James was behind Jade, and Jan behind Jordan in the second back seat.
Adam put their book bags on the front passenger seat. Dean's office supplies and the two bags from the thrift shop were on the floorboard.
Just before Adam could start the car, his cell phone rang, it was Miss Ida. "Hello Miss Ida...oh...we did? Sure…the Aldi on the Paseo is close...okay. No, it's fine…we will be home soon…okay, Miss Ida." He ended the call.
"We have to run to the Aldi. Miss Ida and I forgot to buy cabbage for cole slaw tonight. So you behave in the store, and I will let you get an ice cream sandwich." Adam started the car. It took ten minutes with the pick up traffic for Adam to finally, slowly pull out onto the street. He drove a little under the 20 MPH speed limit.
Adam and the kids sang with the radio as they turned onto The Paseo, one of the cities most beautiful parkways. There was a bit of a down hill slope to E. 8th Street.
The last thing Adam heard was Jade scream. "DADDY! STOP!" Adam's world turned black.
Wade Barrett and Finn Bálor were in a pretty baby shop not far from the area of downtown where St. Luke's Hospital and the Nelson-Atkins museum were located. It was a pretty little area with a lot of small independent shops, like Happy Babies, where the two friends shopped.
Finn held up a pretty pink and white gown for newborns. It also had a soft pink knit hat, booties and mittens. "What about this to bring her home in?" Finn asked as he showed Wade the boxed set.
Wade smiled. "That's pretty, Finn. Yes, it's perfect. Is it...bad luck? I'm not that far along." He looked at his friend with worry on his handsome face.
"No, Wade. It isn't bad luck. You have to prepare. But, you don't have to buy anything now if you really don't want to." Finn didn't want Wade to be upset. He went to put the set back on the shelf.
Wade stopped Finn. "No, I want it. I really do. You're right, I have to prepare. Come on, I want to buy it, then rest at the mansion a bit." He tried to take the box from Finn.
"Good. No, I am buying it. I get to give you and her the first gift." Finn kept hold of the box.
Wade smiled and on the spur of the moment, kissed Finn on the cheek. "Thank you, my friend." He had a flush on his cheeks.
Finn grinned a boyish grin. He paid for the pink and white set and carried the bag. Wade did look tired.
"Can you walk? I can go get the car." Finn spoke with concern for his friend.
"No, I can walk. The fresh air will do me good." Wade smiled at Finn.
As they got to the car a couple of blocks from the shop, the sound of a large helicopter filled the air.
"It's landing at Saint Luke's." Wade noticed as the medical flight chopper descended from the sky, to the roof of St. Luke's. He gave a shrug and got into the passenger seat of Finn's Mercedes.
As Finn got into the driver's seat, he had a nagging thought. He wondered, was Orton's ex-bitch on that helicopter? He guessed they would know soon enough.
As they drove to the McMahon mansion, Finn slowed down as two ambulances sped toward St. Luke's. He had the same niggle. It must have been a bigger accident than planned.
Wade looked over at Finn. "Do you think..." He was curious, had they finally gotten to Orton?
Finn nodded with a vile smirk. "Yeah, I do. Orton is ours." He was proud of himself.
Wade was glad to get to Orton, but Adam could have paid the price, and what if the quadruplets were in the car. For the first time, in all his criminal life, Wade felt remorse. If the children were in the car; he laid a hand on his abdomen, and thought about his own child.
Doctor Dean Ambrose had finished with his last patient of the day in his private practice. He prepared to head to Children's Mercy Hospital to check on a new patient he'd sent for admission that afternoon. The boy needed to have his tonsils out, but first, Dean would have to get the massive infection under control.
He looked up when Nurse Vesta opened the door her face was wet and her eyes were red. "Doctor, Shawn Helmsley needs to see you, immediately." Vesta had deep emotion in her voice.
Dean thought something had happened to sweet Megan. "Of course, bring him in." He put a few files in his briefcase.
When Shawn walked in, he looked more like a robot. It was obvious he'd recently been sobbing. The lawyer actually trembled.
Dean got up and helped Shawn sit. Dean sat on the edge of his desk in front of Shawn. "What happened, Shawn. Is it Megan? I will send her to Mercy."
Shawn looked up at Dean. "Megan? She's fine…for now. Dean, Hunter called. He wanted me to...tell you. Adam and the children were T-boned by a semi truck at East eight street and The Paseo. Dean, the Kia rolled four times...Jan and Jordan were banged up but...Dean, Adam, Jade and James took the full impact. Adam and Jade were choppered to Saint Luke's. James, Jan and Jordan were sent by ambulance. The semi driver died. Dean...Adam wasn't breathing. I…I..." He broke down in soul shattering sobs.
Dean just sat there. What? Adam dead...children badly hurt? Semi...Kia...a t-bone was a steak, not a deadly accident. The sound of Shawn's sobs brought him quickly back to reality. Dean stood.
"Shawn, hospital, now!" Dean didn't care about his briefcase or anything else except getting to St. Luke's where his world lay injured.
Dean was surprised to see Roman in the waiting room. Roman stood. "I'm driving, you're in no shape. Come on, Shawn." Roman helped Shawn to the waiting car. Dean followed like a robot puppy.
Roman put Shawn in the backseat, and helped him buckle in. He helped his best friend into the passenger seat and also buckled Dean in. Roman got in the driver's seat, buckled up and started the car.
"Dean, you with me buddy?" Roman asked with deep concern as he headed the car toward St. Luke's Hospital. It had the best trauma ward in Kansas City. All major accident victims were taken there.
"Roman, what the fuck happened?" Dean asked as he looked over at his friend. Shawn had stopped sobbing but tears still fell down his face.
Roman sighed. "I don't know any of the details. Hunter called, it was his department that went to the accident call. He said it looked like the semi t-boned Adam. Adam didn't stop at the intersection of East eight and The Paseo. Witnesses said the impact caused the Kia to roll four times. It landed on the roof. Hunter said Adam, Jade and James took the brunt. Air bags deployed, but Jan was the least hurt, cuts, maybe a broken arm. Jordan the same. They were giving Adam CPR when they flew him out. Hunter didn't say anything about Jade and James."
Dean looked at Roman. "He didn't stop? Adam...a good driver...always extra careful when the kids are in the car...why?" He couldn't believe Adam would be so careless.
"Hunter went to investigate. Dean...the brakes could have been tampered with. Hunter will tell us more when he gets to the hospital." Shawn had recovered enough to speak.
Dean tried to register Shawn's words. He couldn't. "Does Seth know?" Dean couldn't think clearly.
"No. I am going to find out what's going on at the hospital. Then I will tell him as gently as possible. Dean, stay positive, Adam and those babies need you. I know how you can get. Let Hunter deal with what he needs to deal with." Roman was afraid Dean would go ballistic, lose control and do something stupid.
Dean rubbed the palms of his hands on his slacks. "Yeah...yeah. I only care about Adam and the little lions. Ro, be careful with Seth. It would break Adam's heart if something happened to the baby." His voice trembled in tempo with his body.
Roman pulled into the main parking lot of St. Luke's. A few news reporters were in the area for the media and several cops were present. Chief Bret Hart saw Dean arrive and went to make sure he got into the hospital with no issues from the media. He wore a stern expression.
"Come on, I'll get you in." Bret opened both the passenger door and the back door for Shawn.
"How is Adam?" Dean asked the Chief of Police as they went into the main entrance of St. Luke's.
Bret held the door open for the three men. "I don't know. Doctor Lesnar and Doctor Batista are with him and the kids. We have a special waiting room for you, private." Bret led them to the private room, just off the emergency room.
Roman was puzzled as they entered the room. "Why all this...special treatment?"
"Because one of the richest men in the states ex-husband and children were in a major accident. You know how the press is." Bret explained with a shrug.
Roman slapped his forehead. "I should have guessed." He helped Shawn sit on nice leather couch. Dean stood by the window even though the drapes were drawn, he stared out of the window, or so it seemed.
Roman needed something to do. He went to a service cart that had been provided. Roman poured three Styrofoam cups of coffee. He put extra sugar in Dean and Shawn's cups. Roman knew sugar helped a body in shock. He took the sweetened coffee to his boss and his friend.
Shawn's hand shook as he took the cup. "Thank you, Roman. Oh Judy...I'm sorry...I've let you down so badly." More tears ran down Shawn's cheek as he used both hands to take a small sip of coffee.
"I'm the one that let her down. I failed to keep Adam and the children safe." Dean muttered. He shook his head "no" to the coffee Roman held out to him.
Roman sighed. "Stop it, just stop it. Nobody let Adam's mother down. You didn't let Adam down. It was an accident. Brakes fail. It could have easily have happened to one of you. What you should be doing is sending your love and positive energy to Adam, Jade, Jordan, Jan and James. Stop feeling sorry for yourselves." Roman gave a good dose of some much needed tough love. His tone was a bit sharp.
Both Dean and Shawn looked at Roman.
"For a man who doesn't speak much, when you do, you don't mess around. He's right, Dean. Stop the pity party. Adam and the children need us. Thanks, Roman. We needed that. Dean, drink your coffee. I will stop crying. Come on." Shawn picked up Dean's cup with a steady hand and held out to the physician.
Dean took the cup and sipped. "Thanks, Roman. Shawn is right. We needed some tough love."
All eyes turned to the door when it slammed open. Seth stood there. He looked like an angry bear. He glared at his husband.
"Why the fuck didn't you call me, Roman Joseph Reigns?" Seth fumed, his hands on his hips.
When Seth used his entire name, Roman knew he was in deep trouble. "I was going to find out how they are, then come home to tell you. Seth, I was thinking of you and the baby. How did you find out?" Roman spoke softly and went to Seth. He held his arms out to his husband.
All the anger left Seth as he fell into Roman's arms. "Radio. I waited for you to call. But, I couldn't stand waiting alone. I called for an Uber and here I am. What happened and how are Adam and the children?" Seth asked with a sniff.
Roman held Seth close. "We don't know yet. Adam's brakes failed, we guess. Hunter is investigating. Chief Hart went to see if he could find out how they are. He hasn't come back yet."
Seth nodded. His bearded chin rubbed the skin of Roman's neck. "Okay. Oh Ro...our Addy and the babies. Does Randy know?"
"Hunter tried to call him, but he didn't pick up. No one answered at the office, it was after hours. If nothing else, he will hear it or see it on the news." Shawn told Seth what he knew from Hunter.
"He will be devastated. The kids are everything to him, Adam too. I can't believe this, I just can't believe it. Adam was so happy...he'd finally found true love...oh...Dean, Dean." Seth pulled away from Roman and hugged Dean.
Dean melted into Seth's embrace. "I love him, Seth. I can't bear to think of life without him or the babies. Seth...help…me." He wasn't a strong, highly confident doctor. Dean was a man in heartbroken pain.
Seth stroked Dean's back. This was how Dean was when he and Drake split up. "It's okay, Dean. Adam and the kids are getting the best possible care. Be strong for them, Dean. They need you. You promised to be there, no matter what. They need that love and care. The need Uncle Dean, Adam needs his future husband. Fight for that, Dean. Ice cream won't fix this one, buddy." He continued to rub Dean's back.
Dean sniffed deeply. He pulled out of Seth's embrace. He swiped his face with his hands. "Yeah, I have to be strong for my family. I am doctor for fucks sake. I can do this. Thanks, Seth. You're better than ice cream." He gave his friend a soft smile.
Roman smiled. "Makes me glad the date you two went on in college was a bust."
Seth and Dean looked at each other. They actually managed a small, light laugh. "You never told him, Seth?" Dean arched his brow.
"Nope. Ro, we only went out on a date to make you jealous. You were the one I wanted. It finally got your attention." Seth made air quotes around the word "date" as he spoke. He gave Dean a wink.
Roman chuckled "You thought I didn't know? I knew exactly what you two were doing. So, I played hard to get. It worked."
The mood in the room changed when the door flew open. Randy, Mike, Ted, and Cody came into the room. Randy was a mix of emotions ranging from anger to heartbroken. Mike was plastered to Randy like glue.
"How are they?" Randy wasn't the man they all knew. This was mob boss, Randal Orton.
Only Dean and Shawn saw the crime boss side of Randy. Dean spoke. "We don't know yet. They don't need worried family getting in the way in the ER. I don't have the privilege anymore, unless they give me a waiver. So, we wait." Dean explained in a quiet voice. He didn't need Randy doing something stupid.
Randy nodded with a sigh, the mob boss vanished. Randy was now a very worried parent. "Do they know what happened?" He looked from Dean to Shawn and put an arm around Mike.
Shawn once again explained what Hunter had told him. He knew it was Randy the parent asking. "...so, they will investigate brake failure."
Randy nodded. "That has to be what happened. Adam would never be so careless..." He was interrupted by Dean's cell phone.
"Oh lord, it's Miss Ida." Dean answered his cell phone and walked to the corner of the room.
Shawn pulled out his phone and called Nancy. The housekeeper said she would go to Ida, Megan too. After all, Megan would find out anyway. She might as well be with Nancy and Ida.
Dean's call ended a few minutes after Shawn's. "Thank you, Shawn. Nancy and Megan are there now, and won't leave her. We don't need everyone here, just waiting." He sighed. He'd never thought of Ida. She'd heard it on the radio. He continued.
"She feels guilty. They were going to Aldi for cabbage for supper because they forgot it at the grocery store this morning. She is beside herself. Nancy and Megan can help." Dean finished telling about the call.
The conversation came to a stop when Bret Hart returned with Doctors Cena, Lesnar and Batista. No one liked the expressions on their faces.
"Well?" Dean and Randy asked within seconds of each other. Dean was worried. As a doctor, he could read their faces. It wasn't good.
Doctor John Cena was the first to speak. "I'm sorry. The news isn't good."