It was seven o'clock in the morning. Roman, Seth and Shawn entered the private waiting room at St. Luke's Hospital. They had several bags of fast food breakfast.
Dean was gone, but Randy, Mike, Ted and Cody were there and were thankful for the food.
"Dean went to see to our patients. Adam was in surgery until almost six thirty. He is in recovery. Jan and Jor are sleeping peacefully. Jade is in post op recover and James is still in a coma in the children's ICU. We don't know much, except the most important thing; they are all alive." Randy explained all he knew.
"Thanks for the news. I am hoping I will be able to see them." Seth spoke and took a bite of food.
Randy smiled at Seth. "I'm sure Jan and Jor would love to see Uncle Sethie. I don't know about Adam, Jade or James. Dean said it depends on how they recover. I am going to have to go the office later. I'll have to explain to the businessman from Japan. Surely he will understand my babies need their dad. I hope to see Jan and Jordan first." Randy sighed. He had to have the meeting, but it wasn't about the pharmaceutical business.
Shawn laid a hand on Randy's shoulder. "I understand, Randy. If it wasn't for Roman taking over at the office today, I wouldn't be able to stay. I will be here, if anything changes, I will call you immediately." He assured the worried parent.
Randy smiled at the attorney. "Thanks, Shawn. Mike and Cody will stay, but Ted will go back with me. I appreciate it, Shawn. You know, Adam considers you as a father and to be honest, I do too. My dad can be...hard at times. You always listened to me, like a father should. How did Meg take the news, and dear Miss Ida?" He was worried about both of them.
Shawn sighed. "Megan took it very hard. But, thanks to more controlled insulin, she didn't have any incidents. Ida is beside herself. She still blames the accident on forgetting the cabbage. Nancy is going to talk more to her today. Randy, if you can find the time, maybe you could see her or at least call her. Explain that it could have happened at anytime. Oh, and stick to the brakes failed, please. No one needs to spread that they could have been tampered with." Shawn gave Randy one of his best parent stares.
"Don't worry, Shawn. I will make time for Ida. I also agree, the media doesn't need to spread news like that. The pictures in the KC Star today were bad enough. I can't believe how bad the Kia looked." Randy was in full worried parent mode.
"The television news was way worse. So stupid, they showed blood splatters. How can they be so insensitive?" Seth spoke with disgust. He wadded up his breakfast sandwich wrapper and tossed it into the trash can.
Ted scoffed. "Because sick people out there like seeing shit like that. Give me five minutes with a reporter and that shit would stop." He too wadded his wrapper with anger and tossed it into the trash can.
Cody laid a hand on Ted's thigh. "Calm down. All that matters right now are Adam and the kids." He spoke softly. Ted needed to keep in control.
Dean Ambrose came into the room. He had a smile on his face. "James woke up. John is going to test him later. He doesn't want to push him immediately. Adam and Jade are till in recovery. Jan and Jordan are having breakfast. Randy, you can visit Jan and Jordan, but not Adam, Jade or James. Depending on how things go, maybe this afternoon. Even I can't see Adam. I did see Jade, as her surgeon. She is resting well." He finished and took the bag of food and coffee Shawn gave to him.
"That's great about James. But what do you mean test him?" Randy asked with a mask of confusion on his face.
Dean swallowed a bite of food. "I'm sorry. I should have explained. Doctor Cena will do neurological tests. Like memory tests, and prick tests to check for pain reaction. James will also have a CAT scan, but not until tomorrow. We...well, John doesn't want to press too hard too fast. It can cause a set back. It's all normal procedure for a concussion with a coma. His vitals are good and so is his is color. I honestly think he will make a full recovery. But, you also have to be prepared. We will know more after the tests." Dean explained and took another bite of food.
"Thanks, Dean. Will you be there for Jame's tests? I trust you, utterly." Randy arched his brow at the physician.
Dean again chewed and swallowed. "Thank you for that, Randy. I'll ask Doctor Cena, but I am sure it won't be a problem. Look, I'd like to transfer everyone to Children's Mercy, but that would mean separating the little lions from Adam. That won't do anyone any good. Adam doesn't need that stress. It will be a while before he can move like normal. Even though he could go home in a few days, it will be better for Adam and the children to stay close. I'm actually going to try, to get Adam up with Jan and Jordan, or maybe move them down to ortho to be with Adam. They are ortho patients with broken arms. I'll do the best I can, but, I am not on staff here. It will be up to Doctors Cena and Batista. However, I am fairly sure they will agree." He took the last bite of his food. Dean was hungry.
Randy gave Dean a nod of respect. "Thank you for that, Dean. Yes, separating Adam from the babies would...not be good. I will pay for a private room. Seth, could I hire you to be their nurse, when they go home? I will pay you well. Don't take that as an insult. I would hire a nurse either way, but I'd rather it be someone Adam loves and trusts than a total stranger. Maybe you and Roman could even live in...for a while at least? Please, will you consider it?" Randy looked at Seth in earnest.
"Well, boss? Would that be alright with you? We were supposed to start at your practice on Monday. Adam can't now, but I could." Seth looked at Dean. He wanted to help Adam, but he'd signed a contract with Dean.
Dean smiled. "I spoke to Vesta this morning when I called her to cancel my day at the office. She will stay until Adam can work. He can work and recover, with your help. So, take care of Adam and the little lions if you want. There is more than enough room for you two to live in for a while. I agree with Randy. Better to have you than a total stranger."
Roman spoke up. "Seth, it would be perfect. We can arrange the move and we would be out of their way. See, we finally bought the house next door to Adam. The Helmsley's gave us a total move package for our anniversary. But, we would have to stay out of the mover's way. So, I approve as well. I can also help Adam with rehab." He gave Seth a grin. He knew his husband would want to help Adam and he did too.
"I'll do it, Randy. I don't want a stranger looking after my best friend and the children. I am not insulted, I need to earn money for the future. It's not just up to Roman to work." Seth spoke firmly.
Randy gave Seth a one armed "bro" hug. "Thank you. I do appreciate it. I trust you and Roman. Congrats on buying the house. Adam will be thrilled when you tell him."
Dean chuckled. "He already knows and he was thrilled. Rome and I needed his help to prank Seth…" Dean went on to explain. "...so poor Seth thought it was sold. By the way, happy anniversary you two. Sorry, our gift is at the house. Adam and I got you a thousand dollar gift card for Baby World. Adam told me about that furniture set you wanted for the nursery."
Seth hugged Dean. "Oh, thank you! But you didn't have to do that..." He was halted when Drake Younger entered the room.
"Hello, Mister Orton. I am Drake Younger, the child advocate here at Saint Luke's. I was asked to come tell you that you can see Janice and Jordan for a few minutes. I promised them I would find you." Drake spoke like a professional as he looked at a McMahon enemy. He loved the look of worry and despair on Orton's fucking face.
Randy glared at Drake. "Thank you, Mister Younger. I will be there shortly. I need to go to the gift shop." He gave the man a nod. He turned to Ted and Cody.
"Cody, stay here with Mike. Ted, come with me, and help carry the gifts I promised them yesterday." Randy gave his men a nod, then he and Ted hurried off.
Drake looked at Seth. "Seth, Justin said you and Mister Helmsley can see Janice and Jordan for a short, short visit after Mister Orton. He feels the more positive that you can be, the better. So, when Mister Orton returns, you can go. Thank you. Have a nice day." Drake gave the others a nod, then left the room.
Shawn scoffed. "Something about that man bugs me. Ever since we met with him about getting Megan's pump. But, at lest Justin seems to be good." He looked at Seth.
Seth nodded. "He's changed...a bit. Justin his helping him. I really like Justin. I just hope he fixes Drake and Drake doesn't change him. All that matters is seeing those babies. Justin really came through." He smiled at Shawn.
Randy entered room 151. Ted stood outside the door. They were in the middle of McMahon territory. He was on full alert.
When Randy entered the room, he was pleased. Jan and Jordan sat in the middle of a double sized hospital bed. Randy carried two baskets filled with card games, crayons, coloring books, comic books and a travel sized version of Candy Land. There were also other small things to keep them occupied. Lastly, Randy had a large purple teddy bear for Jan and a neon pink flamingo for Jordan.
"Dad!" Jan and Jordan cried out together.
Randy carefully hugged his children. "How are my precious babies?" He gave each child their basket.
Jan leaned into her dad. "Better. Nurse J gave me medicine that took the pain away. He also got us this big bed. He brought a Candy Land game from the playroom and played with us. Thank you for this, dad. Look Jor, we can play Candy Land all the time!" She pulled the travel game out of her basket as she held her bear close.
Randy kissed the top of Jan's head. "I am glad, baby. I've got good news. Your brother and sister are going to be alright. Daddy will be alright too, but remember. It will take a lot of time for them to be totally well again. Do you two need or want anything else? Dad has to go to work in a bit, but I will be back later. Mizzie and Codes will be here if you need them. I love you both so very much." He kissed Jan again, then Jordan.
"Love you, dad. Thanks for all this. We don't need more. Will daddy really be okay? James and Jade too?" Jordan asked with eyes so much like Adam's.
Randy hugged his children close. "Yes, my darlings, in time, daddy, Jade and James will be back to normal. Now, dad has to go to work, to meet the man from Japan. You sure you don't want anything else when I come back later?" He asked again. Randy would buy the moon if they wanted it.
Jan hugged Randy. "All we want now is for daddy, Jade and James to be alright. We have enough here to keep us busy." She had a sad tone in her voice.
Randy held Janice closer. "Oh my darling baby girl. Dad promises you, they will be fine. Guess what. When you two, James, Jade and daddy go home, Uncles Seth and Roman bought the house next door. So until it is ready, they are going to live with all of you, to help Jade, James and daddy get better. So see, everything will be fine. You two just have to be very patient. But patience is always rewarded. I know that is a big thing for a little boy and girl to understand, but trust your old dad." Randy once again kissed his babies.
Jan kissed her dad's cheek. "That's good about Uncle Seth and Uncle Roman. Uncle Sethie is funny. We will be okay, dad. Don't forget to bow to the man from Japan."
Randy chuckled. "I won't, baby girl. I will be back later, I promise. Remember, I love you, daddy loves you and so does Uncle Dean. You tell Nurse J if your arms hurt, and remember, Mizzie and Cody are downstairs. I love you both." He kissed his children as he hugged them.
"Love you, dad. See you." Jan and Jordan spoke in their chorus. With final hugs and kisses Randy left.
An hour later, Randy, Ted, Heath, Zack, Dolph, AJ and JoMo sat around the table in the house within a house. They weren't about to risk having this meeting in the Orton Pharmaceuticals Building.
"Ted, get Brett on the phone, now. I want to question him personally." Randy spoke sharply. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.
"Actually, he and MJF will be here in fifteen minutes. There is someone watching the house. Brett thought it would be better to face you in person. I will go up and wait for them." Ted spoke with caution. Angry Randy was never good, especially with his IED and the injuries to Adam and their children.
Randy nodded. "Good. I can see their eyes that way. Ted, I am not angry with Brett, I just want to know what the fuck happened. Ted, full procedure." He looked at Ted pointedly.
Ted stood. "Yes, sir." Ted gave a nod as he stood, then went to greet his brother and the man who'd been on the motorcycle, MJF.
AJ spoke. "Nothing about the accident has crossed the cop computers today. But, they may not have any new information. All that came across yesterday was the initial report of the accident. After that, they would have been on the scene."
Randy nodded again. "I am just going to assume they know they've been hacked. Still, keep monitoring. Also, Hunter was very different with me. I can't explain it in words. The thing I couldn't tell was what he thought. But, he's on track with something. I want him left alone, at least until he confirms what I was told." Randy paused to sip his coffee.
"Can you tell us, boss?" Heath Slater asked with concern on his face. News of the accident had upset them all. Especially hearing how badly Adam, Jade and James were hurt.
"Yeah, I can. But it will wait until Brett and MJF get here. I will tell you this, it will blow your fucking minds." Randy gave a smirk. What his men around the table didn't know about, was the fox in the McMahon's hen house; Justin Gabriel.
JoMo looked at Randy. "Want a poison pellet on the ready?" There was no humor in his voice, nor on his face. He was deadly serious.
Randy looked at Morrison. "You bet your fucking ass I do. But, it will wait. I want to hear from Fuck and Bitch McMahon first. I saw Adam before his surgery. My beautiful angel looked liked a strapped down psychopath. They had to induce a coma and keep him strapped down to keep him from moving. I saw the fear and uncertainty on Jan and Jordan's faces. I heard and saw their sobs. I will kill Bálor personally." Randy was close to an IED explosion. Mike was the only one who could help and he was at the hospital.
Heath laid a hand on Randy's arm. "Want me to call Mike?" He asked in a soft, calm voice.
Randy looked at Heath. He saw the concern on the redheads face. He sighed, took a deep breath and spoke. "No, I am alright. But thanks, Heath. I have to keep control. You're a good man, Heath. Dolph, you'd better take care of him." He gave Heath a smile and a wink to Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph smirked. "I will, boss. He is a sweetheart...who can strike like a cobra."
Heath flushed. "it's just, Mike would be upset if we didn't look after the boss..." He was halted when Ted entered the room.
Ted led his brother Brett and MJF into the hidden room. Brett and MJF were blindfolded. After Ted closed the door, he told the two men to remove their blindfolds.
Randy indicated for the two men to sit at the foot of the table as he sat at the head.
"Brett, finally good to meet face to face. I want to thank you for your unwavering protection of Adam and our babies. But, I want to know how it happened." Randy spoke calmly, but he glared at the two men.
"I was the one Brett sent to trail Adam. I was on my motorcycle. Adam was followed by one of McMahon's men, in a black Smart car. Adam made several stops in Independence. The bank, the thrift store, an art supply shop, then Staples and Applebee's. McMahon's man stayed in the car at every stop, until he went into the Staples. I followed him in, to keep an eye on Adam. I recognized him as Wade Barrett, from the photos of McMahon's men Brett showed me. The thing was, Barrett never went close to Adam. After Adam left, Barrett bought a pack of pens, then left in the Smart car. I debated to follow Barrett or stay with Adam. I stayed with Adam, that was my assignment. Besides, Barrett could have doubled back. Adam put a bag in the Kia, went to Applebee's and ate lunch. I went in and ate too. Adam left and went to Saint Luke's Academy. Brett said you didn't want us around the school, I knew Adam would go home. I went to wait for them to leave the school. I was waiting on Gladstone...Adam never drove by. I went to look for the Kia, but I lost them...I finally...saw the Kia...or what was left of it...there was nothing I could do, so I sadly went back to our lair. The brakes must have failed...I failed...I didn't protect them." MJF spoke with heavy sadness and guilt was deeply etched on his face.
Randy exhaled. "Sounds like you did a perfect job. But, here's what you don't know. Finn Bálor cut the brake line. I was told this by a fox in McMahon's hen house. It wasn't the first time he'd warned me. So, I know he told the truth this time too. Question is, where was Bálor? Did you check for other McMahon bastards?" He looked at MJF, brow arched.
MJF nodded. "Yes, sir. I absolutely did. I only ever saw Barrett. It was a Smart car, nowhere anyone could hide. if...oh fuck...Barrett was a ruse...he wanted me to follow him into the Staples. Bálor must have been...but...I never saw the fucker."
Brett spoke. "I know, MJF, sir. If he said he didn't see Bálor, the he didn't see him. Barrett probably called Bálor from a hiding place. But still...no one could be that fast. Something isn't right. Where could Bálor could have been? You can't drive from a hiding place, tamper a brake line, then drive away in under three minutes. Are you sure your informant was right?" Brett DiBiase was truly confused.
Randy's face contorted with the same confusion. "You're right, Brett. How sure are you he couldn't have hidden in Barrett's car?"
"Sir, it was a Smart car. No trunk, no way for a grown man to lay on the seat. No way to hide on the floorboard. A little person might be able to, but Bálor is at least five ten or eleven." MJF looked Randy in the eye and spoke his truth.
Randy nodded. "I have no doubt about the informants information. The only thing I can think of is they must have modified the back floorboard somehow. If he dressed in black and covered up with black...anyone would have missed it. As much as it fucking kills me to say it but, the fucking McMahon's got one on us. Brett, MJF, you did your jobs...sometimes even the good guys lose one. I appreciate your hard work Brett. Listen, the Reigns' will be staying with Adam and the babies when they get out of the hospital. They also bought the house next door. They pose absolutely no threat. Keep an eye on the house like always. McMahon could take advantage of Ida being alone. I don't want them bugging the house. I thank both of you for coming here. I trust the look in a man's eyes. I trust you both. Go rest, with my thanks." Randy knew MJF had done all he could.
MJF sighed. "I did try, sir. I am so sorry, but I am glad they will recover. I swear, if I see Bálor again, I will bring him to you on a leash attached to a choke collar. May I also say, it is an honor to be of service."
Brett gave MJF a slap on the back. "Come on, I will buy lunch. Sir, thank you. Don't worry, McMahon won't get near the house." Both he an MJF stood.
They willingly let Ted blindfold them again, and let him lead them out of the secret meeting room.
"JoMo add Barrett to that list, not poison, but I want him sicker than dog with a hangover. And, as soon as possible. McMahon needs a reminder of just what will happen. JoMo, take AJ with you and don't come back until Barrett is hit." Randy spoke with a growl. Morrison would later swear Randy's eyes flashed red.
Morrison stood. "I have just the thing. A stronger version of the virus McIntyre got. Father just sent it to me. Don't worry, by tonight, Barrett will be in the hospital or wish he was. Come on, AJ, I need your help to spot for me." He gave AJ a soft smile.
AJ stood. "Your wing man is ready. Don't worry, Boss. One hit for Adam and the babies is on the way." He and JoMo left as Ted returned.
Randy smirked and rolled his neck. "Barrett won't know what hit him. I also want to find out if Bálor could have hid in that fucking Smart car. I believe Brett and MJF. MJF would have seen Bálor at some point. There is no way he could have been in the area of Staples. Adam is too random when he runs errands. The bank is always the same, but after that? Yeah he always goes to a thrift store, but he changes which ones he checks out. Bálor would have had to have followed Adam too. MJF would have eventually noticed a second vehicle trailing Adam. Somehow, that fucking bastard hid in that fucking Smart car." Randy growled, but kept in check.
Dolph typed on his laptop. He wasn't even close to being a computer whiz like AJ, but he knew enough. After a few clicks, Dolph turned the laptop to face Randy.
"It was possible for Bálor to hide. The skirt that runs under and across the back seat can be pulled open for under seat storage. Bálor could have lain half under the back seat, half exposed on the floorboard. If he was covered with a black blanket...he would have been invisible. So..." Dolph gave a shrug.
Randy looked closely at the computer. Dolph had pulled up a tech drawing of the Smart car. It showed how Bálor could have hidden from sight.
"Well, I gotta say, the Smart car has a lot more to it than it appears. Maybe they aren't the joke of the roadways." Randy had a tone of amusement in his voice as he pushed the laptop across to Dolph.
"They weren't made for road trips. They were made strictly for big city driving. You can park them almost anywhere. But, that doesn't matter. I will make sure that fucking car never runs again." Zack Ryder spoke with an evil smirk.
Randy nodded. "Sounds perfect to me. Maybe with Bálor in it, with no brakes, going downhill at full speed, onto the train tracks with a four engine train smashing into it."
"That is quite a visual, boss and exactly what he deserves. Impossible to arrange, but trust me, I will manage to destroy that car. JoMo is working on that device. I will speak to him about it." Zack still had the smirk on his face as he spoke. Randy chuckled.
At St. Luke's Hospital, Dr. Dean Ambrose gently held Adam's hand. Adam was still in the post op recovery room. Dr. Dave Batista told Dean to try to rouse Adam. After all, he was the best one for the job. Dean also slipped Cathy's sapphire ring back onto Adam's left hand. It had been removed by the nurse's when Adam was first brought to the ER.
Dean held the ringed hand in his and kissed it softly. "Oh my nymph, I love you so much. Our babies need you so much. It will take..." He stopped when Adam began to try to wake up.
"That's it baby, open those eyes for me. Adam, wake up." Dean spoke a bit sharper to get to Adam's brain.
"De...an? Ba...by...okay?" Adam's voice was harsh and arid, his eyes still closed.
Dean tightened his grip on Adam's hand. He very carefully stroked Adam's brow. Adam wore a soft neck brace, but all the terrible straps were gone. Later, Adam would have to wear a back brace, but now they were better than than stiff hard almost body cast type brace.
"The little lions will be alright, I promise. Come on, wake up my beautiful nymph. I love you, Adam." Dean leaned over and softly kissed Adam's lips.
Adam smacked his lips. "Th...ir...sty."
"Hang on baby." Dean grabbed the cup of ice chips on the bedside table. He half filled a spoon with ice. He managed to feed Adam a few spoons of ice. Adam still hadn't opened his eyes.
Adam finally blinked a few times. "Dean? I'm...alive? My...child...ren? He managed to get his eyes open.
Dean beamed. "Yes, baby. You are alive, the little lions are alive. Baby, you had to have two spinal fusions, that's why you can't turn your head. But see, here I am." Dean stood so Adam could see him.
Adam actually managed a smile. I thought… I was dead. Dean...Cathy told me to...go back...you need us...I saw…her. Dean… she is happy...so happy. My baby...alright?" His voice was still harsh, but not arid.
Dean felt the tear slip down his cheek. "I'm glad she made you come back to me. Yes darling, the children are alive. I love you so much, my beautiful nymph."
"I love you. Dean...I...mean...our baby...did I...lose it?" Adam looked at Dean as the physician stood over him.
Dean had to grip the rails of the bed. "Our baby? Are you saying...you're pregnant?"
Adam would have nodded, but the brace prevented it. "Yeah. I just…found out, a few...days ago. Dean...am I still?" He prayed the baby was okay.
Adam had been feeling sick every morning. He'd taken a home test the day before the accident. He'd been happy and hoped Dean would be too, now, it could have been lost.
"Wait, baby. I will get Dave. I will be right back. Oh baby, a baby? I love you. Hang on." Dean kissed Adam and dashed out to find Dr. Batista.
Dean had to back up against the wall as he headed down to the ER to look for Dave. There was chaos as an ambulance crew wheeled a gurney down the hall.
"He's pregnant. Don't let him lose the baby!" Finn Bálor followed the gurney. Wade Barrett was the patient.
Wade was sick, very sick. A dark stain began to develop on the jeans Wade wore. The stain looked like blood.