Justin sat in Stephanie's office in Saint Luke's Hospital. He could tell the woman was not happy. Stephanie was on the phone with Chris Jericho.
"Yes, I do understand…two days…yes, Christopher…thank you. Christopher, two days; or else...goodbye." Stephanie ended the call, then looked at Justin.
"Let me guess. He can't get the drug today? I can understand, it is not common. It is usually only sent to death prisons. Finn will just have to accept it. Ma'am, it is better in a way. It will look less...odd. No, let me rephrase that, it won't seem like retaliation." Justin took a guess at Stephanie's conversation with Jericho.
Stephanie nodded her head. "You're right. He promised it in two days. Jericho said he is having terrible logistic problems. He said he would personally get the drug here in two days. As you said, Finn will have to understand. I don't trust anyone but Jericho to provide the drug. Besides, he will get his revenge on Adam. So, that's it. I agree with you, it will be better timing. Poor Adam, I will miss him, but, after all, he did walk out on us."
Justin gave a nod. "Yeah, he did. Don't worry, ma'am. This will work, Orton will be ours. I'd better get back to work, almost time for rounds." Justin stood. Inside, he grinned. This would give Detective Helmsley more time to set the plan in motion. It would be difficult, but Justin had every faith the plan would work. Lives depended on it.
In the small office at the bank, Hunter, Bret and Jason listened as Justin left Stephanie's office. Hunter let out a sigh of deep relief.
Jason understood. "Agreed, Hunter. We desperately needed the time to get things ready. Seth and Roman have to read the notebook. But, they must understand the gravity of the situation. Can the Reigns' and Dean meet at Shawn's office? Today?" He had a lot of work to do. Jason was in charge of all the logistics of pulling off the plan of Adam and the quad's disappearance.
"I'll call Shawn, then Dean. He won't want to leave the hospital, but I will explain it. He will need to be there for Seth." Hunter sighed again and worried about the pregnant man.
Bret stood. "Jason, are you meeting your FBI contact?"
Jason also stood. "Yeah, he managed to get time off to help us. When arrests come, we will need his Federal powers. They want McMahon, but he knows we have jurisdiction. Don't worry, it will all come out in the wash." Jason and Bret kissed. Jason shook Hunter's hand, then left. There was a lot of work to do in an extremely short amount of time.
At two o'clock, Roman, Seth, Dean, Hunter, Shawn and Bret sat in a secured conference room in the Helmsley and Associates Building. The Art Deco building was in the same area as Dean's private practice. It was three stories of the most powerful attorneys in not only Kansas City, but the entire State of Missouri.
"First, how are the patients?" Hunter asked as everyone settled in around the table with fresh, hot coffee.
Dean spoke. "Resting well. Jame's CAT Scan came out perfect. No damage or bruises on his brain. He's still not totally with us, but that's normal. His body knows rest is best. Jade is more alert, but sleeps a lot as well, also normal. Jan and Jordan are doing very well. Justin took them to the playroom. They had a good time, but they are very worried about James, Jade and of course, Adam. Adam is absolutely miserable, but understands he has to rest. He can get up tomorrow. I promised I would try to arrange for him to see the little lions, if he behaves today. That's it. So, why are we here?" He wasn't angry, but Dean knew something was up if Hunter wanted Roman and Seth to read the informant's notebook.
Hunter replied. "Soon, Dean. First, Seth, Roman you need to read these. Once you have, I will shred them." He pulled out two copies of the notebook Shane had written. The real notebook was in Hunter's home safe. Bret also had a copy in the safe in his house.
Before Roman and Seth could pick up the copies, Shawn spoke. "I will verify everything you read is true. Seth, please stay calm. It was not easy to agree that you should read this. Once you know why, you will understand. Just...be prepared."
Seth frowned. "It won't bite me, will it?" There was no humor in his voice as he spoke.
"No, Seth. However, it will shock you." Dean stated flatly. He was, in a way glad, he would now be able to talk to Roman and Seth about things.
Roman and Seth picked up their copies and began to read. Bret, Shawn, Hunter and Dean silently sipped their coffee and waited for the pin to drop.
At Saint Luke's Hospital, Finn Bálor and Drake Younger sat in their private waiting room. Finn paced like a caged lion. Drake sat and watched. He knew Finn would just have to get it out of his system.
Finn stopped and spoke. "Fucking Jericho. Should have asked Orton, at least he could have gotten the stuff today." Finn growled his words, then paced again.
Stephanie has told Finn and Drake about the delay. She also told them what Justin had said about the timing being better. Drake agreed, Finn not so much. However, Finn did keep his mouth shut till Stephanie left.
Drake snickered. "Now that's a thought, Finn. Orton getting us the stuff to kill his own ex-bitch. But Finn, Justin is right. I know you're angry and why. But Finn, let me ask you something. You have feelings for Wade don't you? I mean as more than friendship." Drake looked at Finn and took a sip of coffee.
Finn stopped his pacing. He sank onto the couch, next to Drake. He let out a sigh. "Yeah, I do. He's so…he wanted...I..failed my promise..." Finn covered his face with his hands.
Drake's brow arched. "Finn, what promise? You didn't fail him, Finn. Orton got him. You couldn't have stopped it."
Finn scrubbed his face with his hands. He sipped from the cup of coffee he'd set down to pace. The Irishman let out another deep sigh. He took another sip, then spoke.
"I failed Alberto. I promised him, if anything ever happened, I would take care of Wade. Three days later, Orton killed Alberto. It was if...Alberto knew it was coming. I promised him, Drake. Now, not only is Wade sick, he lost the baby he wanted so badly. How, Drake? How do I even start to tell him? For the first time in my life, I don't know what to do." Finn was on the verge of an actual, emotional breakdown.
Drake reached over and put a hand on Finn's shoulder. "My best advice, be there for him. It doesn't sound like much, but trust me, it is. Be his strength. Finn, if you love him, let him know. Let him feel it. Look, this sounds cheesy, but love is the most powerful drug in the world. Alberto trusted you to take care of Wade, so do it. You're going to be the only one that can help him. Finn, you are going to have to put Wade first, above revenge on Orton. Orton will be taken care of. You take care of Wade, and the rest of us will take care of Orton. Finn?" Drake looked at Bálor, he wasn't sure if any of his words had registered in Finn's brain.
"Yeah, you're right, Drake. I do love him. I...just...realized now, how much. Do you think...Alberto..." Finn looked at Drake. These were feelings Finn wasn't used to. He was a killer, not a lover.
Drake gave Finn a pat on the shoulder. "Finn, Alberto would be pleased. Out are the one, out of all of us, that he trusted to look after Wade. That says a lot Finn. So live up to that trust, and the promise you made." He got up and poured fresh cups of coffee for Finn and himself.
At the offices of Helmsley and Associates, Roman held Seth in his arms. They had finished reading the copies of Shane's notebook. Hunter immediately shredded the copies and put the shreds in a trash bag. He would personally burn them later. There would be nothing left for anyone to find.
"Oh Roman! Poor Adam...this...can't be true. Randy can't be a...a...killer." Seth didn't sob, he was too shocked and Roman wasn't much better.
Bret Hart spoke. "It's real, Seth. Very real. It's inside information. It has all been confirmed by another extremely reliable second informant. Before we go any further, I need to know. Can you treat Rand like you never read any of this? If not, the other is pointless. However, you need to know, Adam's life and the lives of the children depend on you treating Randy like...Randy."
Dean quickly spoke up. "Roman, Seth, if Adam can do it, you can too, for Adam and the babies. I'll tell you what I told Adam, and it worked. The life of the man who wrote that notebook depends on it. Understand what I mean?" He gave his best friend a look that told Roman he was deadly serious.
Roman understood Dean's look. "Yes, we can. Especially for Adam and the children. Seth baby, can you do it?" He gave his husband the same deadly serious look. Roman understood many lives were at stake, maybe even their own.
Seth looked at Roman, then at Dean. His gaze also turned to Bret, Shawn and Hunter. He saw the same look in each pair of eyes. Seth also knew Adam, his brother from another mother, depended on him. Seth again looked at his husband.
"Yes, Ro. I can do it, for Adam. Randy is just Randy, Adam's ex and father of the quads. Now, there has to be a reason you wanted us to know about this, so, spill it." Seth was serious as he spoke. If Adam could do it, he could too. He would do anything to keep Adam and the children safe.
Hunter smiled at Seth. "Thank you, both of you. Trust me, it hasn't been easy for any of us to treat Randy like normal, but we do. Now, for the real reason of the meeting..." He went on to explain about the plan to hide Adam and the children.
Back at St. Luke's Hospital, Drake and Finn still sat in the waiting room. They drank even more coffee.
Both men looked up when Justin came into the room. "Finn, Wade's fever has broken. The Doctor said you can visit him for fifteen minutes. You will have to wear an isolation suit, but at least you can see him. Finn, Wade asked for you, he wants to see you. But remember, he doesn't know about the baby. The Doctor's don't feel he is strong enough yet. If you don't think you can handle it, don't go see him. Wade needs strength, not stress." Justin spoke firmly and looked Bálor directly in the eye.
Finn stood so fast, he nearly dumped his half empty coffee cup. "Yes, I want to see him. Don't worry, I won't say anything about the baby. I promise. Take me to him. I will wear a fucking suit of armor if I have to. Please, Justin, take me to Wade." The man almost cried he was so desperate to see Wade.
Drake laid a hand on Finn's arm as he stood. "Tell him, Finn. Trust me, it will be the best medicine for Wade..." He turned to Justin. "I will be in my office, I do have work to do." He gave Justin a small kiss. The three men left the waiting room.
At Helmsley and Associates, Hunter finished telling the Reigns' about the plan. "...so, treat Randy normally. If not, Adam, the children, notebook man and the second informer will be in grave, if not mortal danger." Hunter gave the couple his most serious look yet.
Seth and Roman looked at each other. Seth gave his husband a firm nod. He turned to Hunter. "We can do it. Adam, Dean, you and Shawn do it, so can we. Besides, I'll be too busy looking after Adam and the quads. What about Ida? Does she know?" Seth spoke with a firm glare.
"Yes, she knows. Adam felt it was important. Seth, Roman, thank you." Dean gave his friends a grateful smile.
Roman spoke. "I don't care about myself, but what about Seth and our baby? I want to know if they will be safe. We are not talking about petty criminals, we are talking mafia. I can treat Randy like normal, but not at the risk of losing my husband and our child." Roman was just as firm. He put an arm around Seth's shoulder and held on tight.
Chief Bret Hart responded. "Roman, you're asking for something that can't be guaranteed. However, the house will be under constant watch. We aren't sure yet if we are going to tell Randy about the plan. If we do, I am sure he will also protect the house. Randy would do anything to protect Adam and the children. That part of Randal Orton is true, that's the Randy you have to keep in your heads. Roman, I now you want a guarantee, written in stone, but you also know nothing in life comes with that guarantee...nothing. Now, we need to have a final, concrete answer, can you do this? Roman, think of it from a lawyer's prospective. You will be helping to put violent criminals behind bars. People like McMahon and Orton kill innocent people, sell drugs to children, and commit other crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion...need I go on? Help us save lives and put people behind bars that deserve it." Bret hoped to appeal to Esquire Roman Reigns, not Roman, Seth's husband. Facts were facts.
Seth looked at Roman. "Roman, Chief Hart is right. We can do this, Roman. Besides, if anything does go…south, I will be in a hidden safe room. Ro, for the babies? For Adam? For Dean?"
Roman's shoulders drooped with a sigh and a nod. "Alright, baby." He gave Seth a smile.
Seth grinned. "Thank you, babe. Let's get these criminals behind bars."
Hunter clapped Roman on the back. "Thank you, Roman. You too, Seth. We will work all this out. Now, Bret?" He looked at his boss. Bret had the basic details of the plan.
Bret also smiled. "I thank you both as well. Get the moving company to start working. One load will be filled with..." He went on to explain, and how Jason would be involved.
In the isolation ward at St. Luke's, Wade smiled when Finn came into the cubical. Finn wore a yellow gauze isolation cover from head cap to shoe covers, mask and gloves.
Finn smiled behind the mask. "Hey there. You feeling better? I've been worried about you." He took Wade's hand in his. Finn was glad to feel strength in Wade's grip, when he squeezed his hand.
"Water…" Wade's voice cracked as he worked to speak to Finn.
Finn poured a cup of water from the pitcher on the bedside table. He helped Wade sit up a bit. Wade drank two cups, then indicated it was enough.
"Thank you. I feel like shit, but I do feel better than yesterday. Finn...what… happened? Last thing…I remember...you said England sucks at rugby..." Wade leaned back against the pillows.
Finn held Wade's hand again. "Fucking Orton hit you with one of those fucking pellets. Justin found the bruise like Drew, Sheamus and I had. Justin said it was some kind of super flu strain. That's why you're in isolation. You will be alright." Finn tried to keep his voice calm and even. He tentatively reached out and caressed Wade's brow.
Wade closed his eyes for a moment, Finn's touch felt so good. After a few moments, he opened his eyes again. There was a sadness in them that wasn't there before.
"She's gone, Finn. Alberta Maria is...gone." Wade's eyes filled with tears. His free hand moved down to his abdomen.
Finn sighed. "I...know. How...who told you? I will see to it they are fired! They weren't supposed to tell you until you are stronger!" He growled his words, but kept up the gentle caress to Wade's brow.
Wade sniffed with a very small smile. "No one told me, Finn. I...had a dream...Alberto came to me...with a baby...in his arms. He said...thank you, amore...she is beautiful. When I woke up...I knew she was gone. Finn...Alberto was…so happy. But…I wanted her..." He closed his eyes and let the tears finally fall.
Finn's heart pulled at the sight of Wade Barrett's tears. "I'm sorry, love. I know how much you wanted her. Um...look, Wade...it's not much… but she is with Alberto...he will love her and look after her. Again, I know it's not much, but you can try again...to have a baby. Justin said so. Wade, I'm not much either, but I...I..." He tried to say it, but Finn just did not know how. For fucks sake, he was cold blooded killer, not a soft hearted lover, even though he loved Wade.
Wade opened his eyes and looked at Finn. He could see the confusion on the Irishman's face. Wade managed a smile. "I do take some comfort that she is with Alberto. I just wish I could have held her once, smelled her baby smell. It's hard to explain. I'm glad I can...still have...but...I can't do it alone. Finn, what's going on with Orton? He has to pay… he's taken Alberto, now Alberta...I want Orton dead." Wade's voice was still weak, but his emotions were crystal clear.
"Maybe you won't be alone." Finn barely muttered behind his mask. He helped Wade drink another glass of water. As Wade sipped, Finn spoke again. "Justin has a plan to destroy Orton, through his ex-bitch..." Finn went on to tell Wade about the plan to kill Adam.
In the conference room at Helmsley and Associates, Seth looked over a list Jason had sent with Bret. Seth laid the list on the table and spoke.
"Jason thought of everything, even hospital beds. I will need medications but those will be prescribed...wait...how? We can't get medicine for..." Seth looked at Dean, confusion deeply etched on his face.
Dean looked at Hunter. "Hell, he's right. I never thought of that. Adam needs schedule two pain meds. I love Adam, but I can't screw with prescriptions. If...anyone… I could lose my physician's license. Adam wouldn't want that either."
Bret gave Dean a cross between a smile and a smirk. "Don't worry about it. Jason can get anything and everything you will need. He has a very reliable and powerful contact, who can get anything, completely legal. Your physician's license isn't in any danger. Our biggest problem is Randy." He gave a deep sigh.
"What about Randy?" Dean asked, brow arched. He wanted to know as much as possible, his future with Adam and the children was on the line. Information was everything.
Hunter was the one to respond. "We haven't decided yet. Do we tell him the truth or do we tell him...well...leave that to us. Don't worry, all of you will be informed. We won't let you be blindsided by not telling you." He gave Dean, Seth and Roman a firm nod.
"We need to consult with Jason's contact. If we let Randy in on the plan, maybe he will think we don't know the truth about him. If we don't let him in on the plan, and he thinks the McMahon faction took Adam and the kids, it could lead Randy to move against McMahon. We can catch him in the act of retaliation, so to speak. We don't know which option is better. Hard as it is to admit, sometimes even we in law enforcement don't know whats best to do. Jason's contact has vital experience with people like Orton and McMahon. Like Hunter said, you will be informed, just be patient. As Shawn and Roman know, we have to keep everything unbreakable in court. We can't let criminals walk away, scott free, because we didn't dot every "i" and cross every "t". Understand?" Bret looked at Dean, Roman, Seth and Shawn. He hoped he'd said it right. He didn't want the Reigns' to change their minds.
Roman looked at Bret. "We've got it. Until we know otherwise, we treat Randy as normal. Of course, we will have to do some very good acting. I mean about Adam and the children suddenly being missing. I will call the movers to start tomorrow." He held Seth's hand with a firm grip.
"Good. Jason will make the delivery tomorrow. That will give all of you time to set things up. Miss Ida knows what you know, so she is ready. Again, thank you. You are doing a great thing. Just...forget what you read. Now, Hunter and I have a lot more work to do." Bret stood. They had so much to do and very little time to get it all done. The entire plan depended on it.
Everyone stood, shook hands and said their goodbyes. Bret, Hunter and Dean left. Bret and Hunter to do their work, Dean to the hospital.
Seth, Roman and Shawn stayed in the conference room Seth sat back down, as did Shawn. Roman poured three more cups of coffee.
"I can't believe it. I just don't...poor Adam. Randy must be a fucking good liar. I would have never, in a billion years, guessed that Randy was a crime boss. It is unbelievable. Ro, we've got to do this right." Seth couldn't get over what he'd read earlier in the notebook.
Roman let out a slight chuckle. "I know. To be honest, I am not that surprised about the McMahon's, but Randy? You're right, baby. Randy Orton has to be the best liar in the world. We will do it, Seth. You will be too busy looking after Adam and the kids to even think about it."
Shawn scoffed. "How do you think I feel? I let Adam date and...marry Randy. Well, you know what I mean. Never once, did Randy show that side of himself. Now I wonder, maybe Randy doesn't have IED, maybe that is the real Randy. I don't know, this whole thing is like a bad movie or nightmare." Nothing more was said as they sipped their coffee, each lost in their own thoughts.
Back in the small office at the bank, Bret was on the phone with Jason. Hunter was also lost in thought. How were they going to manage to pull this off? They had debated long and hard. In the end, they had decided not to tell Randy. Randy would be too guarded if he knew. The only way to get Randy would be to catch him in the act of retaliation.
It was going to be very difficult, but, decisions had to be made. Hunter stood and went to the office door. He opened it with a smile, Dean Ambrose entered the room. He sat down in the chair Hunter pulled out for him. Bret ended his call.
Dean spoke. "John Cena wasn't happy, but he agreed to put James and Jade in with Jan and Jordan. I told him, it would help all of them be more calm. At least now it will be easier with the quads in one room instead of three." He gave a shrug. He hated not being able to tell Dr. Cena the truth, but it was what it was.
Hunter nodded. "Good work, Dean. That leaves just one more thing for you to do; tell Adam."
Before Dean could respond, Bret spoke. "You know, I've been rethinking the not telling Randy thing. We could have Justin tell Randy the truth and why. That's the punt we could take with Orton. It also keeps our hands out of it. Know what I mean?" Bret gave a highly arched brow to Dean and Hunter.
Hunter grinned. "Perfect idea, Bret. Maybe he could also, somehow, convince Randy the cops are only after McMahon, and that Randy's name never came up. That lays the foundation for Randy to slip. Now, You have to tell Adam. Dean, as you know, that is your department."
Dean nodded. "Is this a bad mob movie? Please, tell me I am dreaming. No, no…sorry. I know this is serious. What you said about Randy makes sense. I'll tell Adam. I will figure it out as we go along." Dean sighed. He and Adam had decided not to say anything about Baby Ambrose till things were… more normal. He prayed none of this would backfire and harm the baby.
"Dean? Is there a problem?" Hunter had seen the expression of deep worry cross over Dean's face. This plan had to work.
"No. I'm worried about how Adam is going to take all of this. I guess there is only one way to find out. When should I tell him?" Dean gave Hunter a shrug.
It was Bret who answered Dean. "As soon as you can. He needs time to let it sink in. Adam also needs to know the kids will be alright. Hunter will talk to Adam later and reassure him. At least he can have visitors now."
Dean scrubbed his face with his hands. "How do I even start? Oh well, as I said, I'll figure it out. You know, my life has always moved like lightening, but this is a whole other level. I can't wait till I can take Adam and the kids to Blue Eye and hide in a beautiful campsite." He let out another sigh, then stood.
Both law enforcement officers also stood. The shook hands with Dean. Hunter spoke. "Don't worry, Dean. With any luck, we will soon have all the criminals behind bars, then you can take Adam the kids to Blue Eye. Tell Adam I will come see him later."
Dean nodded, his hand on the doorknob. "Will do. I pray it is all over soon." He left to go see Adam. All Dean could think of was...what a mess.
Finn Bálor sat in the private waiting room after his talk with Wade Barrett. He quietly sipped a cup of hot tea. He was confused by the emotions that coursed through his body.
Finn knew he was in love with Wade. Love was new to him. Oh, he loved his family in Ireland, but he had never loved someone like in a relationship. Finn had lots of sex, but there was never anything emotional behind it. He fucked and left. He didn't have time or reason to cuddle, he always had work to do.
Wade had woken something in Finn. Finn wanted to hold Wade, and cherish him. Sex hadn't even entered his mind, even though the did find Wade physically attractive. Finn knew he could and would have a happy life with Wade by his side. The Irishman also knew he'd love to have children with Wade. Maybe he should have told Wade how he felt.
Finn looked up, Drake Younger had entered the room. "Hey, Finn. How was Wade?" He asked as he sat in a chair.
"Good. He knew about the baby. He had a visionary dream about Alberto..." He went on to tell Drake about what Wade had told him.
"...so, he is handling it, to a point. He wishes he could have held her, but he is happy she is with Alberto. I don't believe in much, Drake. I think Wade's dream was real and meant to comfort him. I wish...I should have...told him how I feel. I want him, Drake. I just don't want him to think I am trying to take Alberto's place. Fuck...love...relationships are not me. Sex was something to do. Know what I mean?" Finn looked at Drake like a lost little boy.
Drake smiled at Finn. "I know. You see something special in Wade. Finn, the worst that could happen is Wade says no. That won't mean you have to stop being friends. Trust me, it's worth the risk. I never thought Justin would be...the one I love, but I do, and he loves me. Just tell him, Finn. You never know." He gave Finn a look of confidence with encouragement.
"You're right, Drake. I won't know unless I tell him. Next time I see him, I will tell him. All this is new to me. Drake, thanks for being a friend." Finn gave Drake an honest, heartfelt smile, then sipped his tea.
Dr. Dean Ambrose paced outside Adam's hospital room. Dr. Dave Batista was with Adam for a post op check up.
As he paced, Dean thought about how to tell Adam he was about to vanish. He prayed, something he didn't do often, that he would find the right way. He knew Adam would fear more for the children. Dean needed Adam to stay calm for their unborn child.
Dean looked up when Dave came out of Adam's room. "How is he, Dave?" He didn't like the look on his fellow physician's face.
Dave Batista looked at Dean. "Physically he is doing very well. He is sitting up and able to move. I've given him the brace for his back. Tomorrow he can walk a bit. Just remember, he can't bend or lift for about eight weeks." He spoke with complete honesty.
Dean nodded. "That is very good. You said physically. What's wrong? I am a doctor, Dave. I see it on your face." He gave Batista a hard glare.
Dave sighed. "Mentally, he is a mess. He wants to see his children. Maybe tomorrow I can get him up to the children's ward. He hasn't said anything, but I think he feels guilty about the accident and death of the truck driver. You know as well as I do, that mental health is ninety percent of recovery. I hope when he sees his children, it will help." Again, Dave spoke honestly.
Dean perked. "Hey Dave, do me a huge favor, please. Take this and get the kids to say hi to Adam on video. Please, Dave?" He held his cell phone out to the Doctor.
Dave grinned. "Be back shortly. It's a perfect idea. Then, do the reverse, take a video of Adam for the kids." He took Dean's phone and headed off to the children's ward.
Dean took a deep breath. He pushed open the door to Adam's room. It was time for some logistical talk and planning.