A worried Stephanie McMahon paced the floor of her bedroom. Chris had promised to call when he got home. That was four hours ago. This was why Stephanie always avoided her feelings when it came to Chris Jericho, but now, it was too late. She let out a sigh and paced across the room again. She had to keep her mind focused on her father. Chris would have to wait.
In the basement of the Orton mansion, in the house within a house, Chris Jericho let out a soft moan. His head banged and he couldn't move. When he opened his eyes all he saw was darkness. He started a bit when he heard a voice.
"Boss, looks like our friend is awake." Ted DiBiase called out to Randy.
Randy sat at the large conference table with Mike. They had been looking at AJ's laptop. "Get him up and in a chair. We have things to discuss." He gave Ted a nod and closed the laptop.
Ted, with help from Cody, got Jericho up off the floor and into a chair at the end of the table. They didn't tie him up, but they left the black hood on his head. The two lieutenants stood behind Jericho, hands rested on their weapons.
Randy looked at Mike. "Go upstairs with the others. Take this and tell AJ to keep looking. Go, baby. I don't want you involved in this." He spoke in a soft whisper and gave Mike a soft kiss.
Mike gave Randy a smile. "Just find the babies, Ran. Do what you have to do. I love you." He gave Randy a kiss, took the laptop and hurried upstairs to join AJ, JoMo, Heath, Zack and Dolph.
"Take it off." Randy indicated for Ted to remove the black hood that covered Jericho's head. Randy moved to take a seat at the table across from Chris Jericho.
Chris did two things at once. He took a deep breath of fresh air and blinked his eyes. When his eyes focused, he found himself across a large table from Randal Keith Orton, enemy number one.
Earlier that evening, in the safe room at Adam's house, Shawn and Hunter played a rousing game of Candy Land. Dean and Adam were in Adam's bedroom. Dean helped Adam do a few exercises to help with his recovery.
"Come on, baby. Reach for those toes." Dean encouraged as he firmly held Adam's hips in place.
Adam groaned a bit and his face showed strain as he tried to touch his toes for the fifth time. When his fingers reached just below his knees, he stopped, and took a deep breath.
"Great job, baby. Okay, slowly raise back up. You did really well. That's enough for now. Too much and you will damage your progress." Dean helped Adam to sit on the bed.
Adam took another deep breath. "One more than this morning with Seth. But yeah, I don't want to over do. This won't hurt Baby Ambrose, will it?" Sometimes Adam forgot his own medical knowledge, especially when it involved his children.
Dean chuckled. "No, nurse. It won't hurt our baby. I want you to mind Seth when he helps you. Think the little lions are going to be alright? I am still very new to this parenting thing. Adam, don't ever hesitate to tell me when I do or say the wrong thing." He gave Adam a kiss, then wiped Adam's brow gently with a towel.
Adam leaned into Dean's touch. "I will, Dean. I know Seth doesn't need the stress of me misbehaving. Also, yes, I will tell you if you need help being a parent, but so far, you're doing a perfect job. Even though there are books written about it, parenting is something you learn by doing. I've made plenty of mistakes, so has...Randy. Oh Dean, I don't know… all we can do is hold them together. I'm glad they have the baby to look forward to. Oh, you need...oh… their schooling. I don't want them to fall behind. But, we can't call for their homeschool lessons now." Adam's face clouded with confusion.
Dean rubbed Adam's back. "Don't fret, baby. Let's go talk to Hunter. I am sure Jason can figure something out. Don't worry, they won't fall behind. Okay, we'd better go rescue grandpa Shawn from the molasses swamp." He gave Adam another kiss.
When the engaged couple got to the couch in the living area, Shawn celebrated! "I won! I actually won!" He threw his arms around Hunter and kissed him.
The quadruplets giggled as they watched their pseudo grandparents kiss. "Daddy! Daddy Dean! Grandpa Shawn beated the molasses swamp!" Jade giggled.
"Good for grandpa Shawn. Now my loves, time to get ready for bed. You can shower in the morning. Pick up the game and say goodnight. Boys, you can go change in my room." Adam smiled and motioned for his children to hug him.
Twenty minutes later, with Shawn reading, the quads were tucked into their beds. Adam and Dean questioned Hunter about the children's schoolwork.
"...so, I'll talk to Bret and Jason. But it might be too risky. So be prepared for them to say no. Don't fret, Adam. They are smart and you can work with them. The won't fall behind." Hunter spoke with a confident smile.
Adam let out a gasp. "Oh no! Their concert. James and Jan will miss it...and they had solos. Randy's destruction keeps trickling down and now the children are having to pay. I never meant this more that I do now. I want Randal Orton in prison, for the rest of his life." Adam was a mix of anger and sadness. He leaned over and took comfort in Dean's arms.
Hunter smiled at the couple. Any slight feelings of a lover's affection for Adam vanished. Adam was in the arms of the one who could love him the way he so deserved. "Don't worry, son. That is our goal." Hunter's words were simple, but they came from the depth of his law enforcement soul...and his heart.
Adam looked at his former lover, he felt a deep relief. Hunter had finally let go of any remaining feelings of love. Adam had already let it go, but knew Hunter hadn't, but now, he was totally free from Hunter, in that way. The two former lovers exchanged a glance, each knew the others thoughts.
"Good. I...Hunter, try to get Shawn to not blame himself. He does that enough with Megan. I had decided on my own to date Randy, Shawn just nudged. I don't regret it, how can I with those beautiful babies in there." Adam spoke softly and nodded toward the bedroom.
Hunter sighed. "I will. He's better about Meg, but when she… well, thanks to Dean, she hasn't had a major incident. That has helped Shawn more than anything. Thank you, both of you."
"It was my pleasure, Hunter. I pray that Brock will be able to do something about her heart. She deserves to have the best quality life possible. She is a special young lady." Dean spoke with a smile to Hunter.
"I couldn't agree more with what Hunter said. Thank you for all you have done for Meg. Adam, thank you. I will stop blaming myself about Randy...because of those babies. I love you, son and I love you, Dean." Shawn spoke as he sat down next to Hunter. He'd heard everything.
"Well, well. Somebody was dropping eaves. Guess I will have to spank you." Hunter gave Shawn a naughty but love filled wink.
Adam broke out in a fit of laughter. "Yeah, Hunter. Dropping eaves is a bad thing to do..." Adam again went from happy to sad. "I...this is all real? I'm not having a bad dream? Randy...Hunter… the notebook...Justin… it's really real?" He sounded no older than the quadruplets as he spoke. Dean wrapped Adam in his arms and kissed his temple.
"Yes, son. I'm sorry, but it is very real. Don't worry, kiddo, it will all be over soon. Then we can all go to Las Vegas and get you two married." Hunter spoke with a firm nod and a big smile.
Adam looked up at Dean. "Dean...how set are you on Las Vegas?" He had an idea, but wasn't sure if Dean would agree.
"Well, we do have reservations, but they can be canceled or changed. Why?" Dean arched his brow at Adam He hoped his fiance hadn't changed his mind about getting married.
Adam sat up a bit. "Well...I was..." He bit his lip and rubbed his palms on his thighs.
Shawn knew that was a sure sign that Adam was nervous. He also observed a look of fear on Dean's face. "Adam, have you changed your mind about marrying Dean? Because of Randy? You know Dean is not Randy." Shawn spoke with a deep concern.
"Oh God, no! No! I want to marry, Dean, more than anything. I know he's not Randy. I want to marry Dean, tomorrow. I want the children protected! If Dean and I are married...Dean can legally adopt the children...if anything happens. We could always go to Vegas and have a ceremony. But, Shawn, you can marry people, right? You're still a Justice of the Peace. So...what do you think?" Adam again bit his lip, he didn't want Dean to be upset with him.
"Yes, I can legally marry people. I would be glad to, but I'll have to pull in a favor to get the license that fast. Also, registering…would be a problem, if they have eyes at the court house. It would be very suspicious for your name to show up...when you are supposed to be missing. But, you can still be married. I can register it when you're safe. Don't worry, I can explain the situation to a Judge if the need arises. Just let me worry about all of that. So, it's up to you two." Shawn spoke in a thought filled voice. It would take a lot of legal speak, but Shawn knew he could do it.
Dean took hold of Adam's hand. "If that is what you want, I'll do it. As you said, we can go to Vegas and have a ceremony, any time. I was afraid you'd changed your mind about marrying me."
Adam held Dean's hand. "Nope, not changing my mind. Shawn, would it be legal? Even not registered? I don't want Randy to be able to...I dunno, use it against us, to take the babies." Adam spoke softly. He didn't want to take a chance on little ears listening.
Shawn grinned. "Don't stew about it. Yes, your marriage will be legal. I will register it when it's safe. There is an old law I just remembered. All I have to do is fill out the marriage page, in that Family Bible we gave you when you christened the children, remember? I had that artist do the quads births in calligraphy. A Family Bible is considered a legal record. That's why those pages are bound in Those old laws have never been changed. So, that's one worry off your mind." He ended with a firm nod.
Adam sat up again. "Then, let's do it. Ida, Seth and Roman can be our witnesses. Hunter would you do the honor and give me away?"
Hunter's eyes filled with emotion. "I would be honored." Shawn had been the one to give Adam away when he married Randy. Now he would have his chance to give Adam his ultimate happiness. It would be a nice period to put on their "relationship".
"Thank you, Hunter. So Dean, I guess sometime tomorrow, I will be Adam Ambrose. The little lions will be happy." Adam leaned over and kissed Dean soundly.
Shawn stood and pulled Hunter up by the hand. "We need to go. Don't worry, I will take care of everything. I will call and let Dean know a couple of hours before, so you can make yourself pretty. I am so happy for you, son. This will be one more rainbow in the storm. I love you." Shawn gave Adam a gentle hug as he and Dean stood.
"I love you, poppa Shawn, and you to poppa Hunter. I would be lost without you. Please ask Ida and Seth to come down so we can tell them." Adam hugged Shawn and Hunter. Dean followed them upstairs to let them out of the mirror door.
At the McMahon mansion, Stephanie sat on her bed and cried. She had finally called Jericho's house. Ash's nanny had told her Mister Jericho had gone out earlier and wasn't home yet. The nanny confirmed Chris had left with a man with an Irish accent. Stephanie knew then, Chris had to be in the clutches of Randal Orton. There was nothing she could do but wait. She slid into her bed, and let more tears fall.
At Adm's house, Adam slept peacefully in Dean's arms. Ida promised to wake Dean up before she opened the drapes in the morning. Hunter had warned everyone to keep up the facade that Adam and the children were missing.
The bright spot came when Adam and Dean told Seth, Roman and Ida about getting married and about Baby Ambrose. Roman promised to do whatever needed to be done to help Shawn get the paperwork done for the wedding. Shawn was grateful, it would take a lot of hard work and precise legal speak. Ida and Seth promised to make it as special as possible.
Bret Hart, Jason Reso-Hart and Kenny Omega sat in Bret's home office. They were exhausted, but had a few loose ends to tie up before they could sleep.
"Jericho knew something, but what?" Bret spoke as he looked over his notes.
Jason gave a chortle. "You are tired, dear. He's the one that supplied the drug that Justin was going to use to kill Adam. What Jericho didn't know was who could have taken Adam and the kids. You know what I mean. He is worried though. Jericho probably thinks Orton is after him because of the incident with Ash and Jordan. Basically, Jericho was useless." He sat back in his chair with a slight yawn.
Kenny pulled out his cell phone when he felt it vibrate. He opened up the text message. "Well, well. Jericho has gone missing. And Stephanie McMahon thinks Orton got a hold of him. This is from our friend." He handed his phone to Jason, so he could read the text.
Jason showed the text to his husband. "Justin is smart. He knew we wouldn't be at the listening post He must be safe enough if he could risk sending us that message. I will tell you, we must do everything in our power to make sure he won't fall with the others."
Bret handed the phone back to Jason. "We will. I will make sure Shawn's law firm takes his case. Once he sees everything, Shawn will understand. Maybe Roman will take Justin on as a client. I just know, he is not going to jail, not if I can help It." Bret spoke in a firm voice.
Kenny nodded as he stood. "I agree with you. We still have people checking Gabriel's South African connections, a lot will depend on that. I'm going to get some sleep. Breakfast on me, for letting me invade your guest room. Goodnight, gentlemen."
Jason chuckled at his friend. "Sounds good. You do make excellent pancakes. Sleep well, my friend."
"Goodnight, Kenny." Bret replied, he still read the papers on his desk.
Jason shook his head. Bret was like a dog with a bone He worked much too hard. He went to the desk and closed the file.
"Hey! I was reading that!" Bret looked at his husband with annoyance. He moved to open the file, but Jason's hand held it firmly closed.
"No. Bed, now. You're going to work yourself into an early grave. I am not ready to be a widower. Please, babe?" Jason had a very worry filled expression carved deep on his handsome face.
Bret saw the worry on his husband's face. He gave Jason a soft smile "You're right, honey. I am sorry. Come on, unless you're too tired for a little...relaxing fun." He wiggled his brows with a sly smirk on his lips.
Bret laughed when Jason ran out the door. He laughed again as he picked up the trail of clothes Jason had left behind. Bret knew a naked Jason would be waiting for him in their bedroom. Bret moved a little faster down the hall.
At the McMahon mansion, Justin slid back into the bed he shared with Drake. "You alright, babe?" Drake asked in a sleep laced voice.
Justin yawned and curled up to Drake. "Yeah, just had to take a shit. Night love." He closed his eyes. Justin said a prayer and hoped no one saw his phone. It had been a risk to use his normal phone, but one he had to take.
"Night, babe." Drake mumbled as he pulled Justin up close. Visions of a paradise with Justin weaved into his dreams.
Upstairs, Stephanie tossed and turned in her sleep. Chris, Vince, Shane, Randy and Alberto invaded her dreams. She couldn't figure anything out, they were all talking at the same time. She tried so hard to hear them, but everything came out in unintelligible mumbles.
Chris' screams began to overshadow the other voices in Stephanie's dream. "Steph! Help me! Oh God! Help me!" Chris cried out as his misty hand tried to reach for Stephanie.
Stephanie woke with a gasp. She sat up in her bed and tried to catch her breath. Her heart pounded like a bass drum, and sweat ran down her face.
"Oh Chris...what..." The brunette looked up at the ceiling. "Lord, you don't know me, but please, please let Chris be alright, please. I don't care what happens to me, but please don't let Chris be hurt because of me. I know I've done terrible things, and I know you won't let me into Heaven. I can accept that. Just keep Chris safe. And God, please tell mom that I love her. I also know mom's death wasn't Shane's fault. I know this wasn't the best prayer, but I meant it. All of it. Amen." Stephanie waited for that feeling of peace. The one she heard people talk about when they were close to God. It never came.
In the safe room of the Helmsley house, Shane McMahon sat at the small table in the kitchen area. He sipped from a cup of hot coffee. He was buried in a text book on International Business Law. It was one of Roman's that Shawn had brought him. He studied the sections on tax laws around the world. Shane thought that perhaps, international tax evasion was the key to a long, long prison sentences for his father and sister. When he had asked Shawn about it, the man brought him a stack of books, with a wink.
Shane knew that Shawn was not only encouraging his studies, but that his idea was a valid one So, he found himself nose deep in studies, time meant nothing.
Ten minutes, down Gladstone Boulevard, Adam held a crying Jan, while Dean held a crying Jade. James and Jordan also sat on the bed and tried not to cry.
Adam and Dean had been woken by Jan screaming and Jade crying. The boys were just as upset, but managed to stay strong for their sisters. Dean held Jade close. It was worse than the night Jordan had his nightmare after World's of Fun. That had just been one child, now it was all four. Dean hoped he would be as a good a parent as Adam was.
"It's alright, my darlings. Daddy and dad Dean are here. I know you're so confused and scared. Daddy feels the same. I loved your father too, still do, as my very good friend. Did you have a bad dream, baby?" Adam spoke softly and kissed the top of Jan's head as he held her close.
Jan sniffed and clung to the t-shirt Adam wore to sleep in. "Dad...had a...gun. He...shot a man..." Jan hiccuped her words. The dream had been so real and so terrifying.
Adam looked at Dean with tears in his own eyes. He didn't know what to say, but he had to try. "It's alright, baby. It was just a very bad dream. Dad would never, ever hurt you. I love you, baby." He kissed the top of Jade's head again, and held her tighter.
Adam looked at Dean again. Jade was just as upset and the boys weren't much better. Adam then remembered when he was little and had a bad dream. His ma would tell him something happy to get his mind off the bad dream. It always worked.
"Daddy has something to tell you. Guess what?" Adam spoke in a happy, almost sing-song voice.
Jade sniffed. "What?" Even under stress she could not stop her constant curiosity.
Dean smiled at Adam and knew what Adam was going to say. He thought it was a brilliant idea. "I don't know, daddy. All these frowny faces. Maybe you'd better keep it a secret."
"No. Daddy, tell us. Please?" Jan asked with a sniff and a swipe of her eyes with her hands. She even managed a very small upturn of her lips.
"Well, since you smiled, I will tell you." Adam leaned in and whispered in Jan's ear.
The smile on Jan's face grew. "Really? That makes me very happy, daddy!" She hugged Adam with an even bigger grin on her face.
Jordan spoke. "Hey! Dat's not fair! Come on daddy! Tell us!"
James and Jade spoke in chorus. "Yeah, tell! Tell!" It made Adam and Dean laugh. The atmosphere had really brightened.
Adam looked at Jan. "What do you think, Jan? Should we tell them?"
Jan gave another sniff and looked over at Jade, then at her brothers. "Yes, daddy."
Dean nodded. "I agree, daddy." He was amazed at how quickly Adam had worked his parental magic.
"What would you say to dad Dean and daddy getting married, tomorrow? Right here? Would that be alright with you?" Adam looked at his children with a smile.
There was a moment of silence as the four children looked at one another. Smiles brightened on their little faces.
"Yes! Yippee! Woo-hoo! Alright!" Four voices chirruped in their quadruplet way.
Just as the children were about to pounce on Adam, Dean cried out "Careful! Remember daddy's operation. Be very gentle." He caught Jordan just in time to keep his cast from bashing Adam on the left hip.
"Sorry, daddy. We forgot. You're really going to wedded? Tomorrow?" Jordan asked happily.
Dean scooped Jordan into his lap with Jade. "Yes, we are. Grandpa Shawn is going to marry us. Grandpa Hunter, Uncles Seth and Roman along with Miss Ida will be here too. We will have a party afterward."
Jade's face scrunched up. "But, what about our drawings? We can't make dresses that fast. Or Jor's pink cake."
Adam reached over and caressed Jade's cheek. "Well, no. But later, we will have a bigger wedding party. We will make your dresses and pink cake then. I promise. Will that be okay?" He arched his brow at Jade.
Jade nodded. "Yeah! We can have another party. We want you happy, daddy and we want Dean to be our dad."
"And I want to be your dad. Daddy and I just didn't want to wait. But like daddy said, we will do it again and you can have your pretty, new dresses and Jordan can have his pink cake. Now, if you promise to go to sleep, you can stay in here with us. But, just for this one night. So come on, crowd in." Dean lifted the covers.
Jan was curled up with Adam. Jordan and James, then Jade curled up with Dean. Smiles settled on six faces as sleep over took them.
Stephanie McMahon gave up the idea of getting any sleep. She pulled on her robe and went downstairs. Stephanie went to the kitchen. She did what she always did when she couldn't sleep.
"Ma'am?" Justin asked quietly as he entered the kitchen. Stephanie cracked eggs into a bowl.
Stephanie spun around. "Oh, Justin. You startled me. I something wrong?"
Justin shook his head. "No ma'am. I thought I heard you...crying. Then I heard you come down here. Question is, are you alright?" He had a concerned look on his face. What he really hoped to do was gather any possible, useful information. An off guard leader might let something slip.
Stephanie went back to stirring. "No, not really. I have a lot on my mind. Want an omelet?" She poured the eggs into a hot pan and added some cheese.
"Sounds good. I'll make the toast and coffee." Justin began to help. He would wait for Madame to talk, then he could question her.
The duo sat at the small kitchen table, and ate in silence. Justin was the one to speak first.
"You make a great omelet. I honestly didn't know you could cook." Justin took another bite. It was actually very good.
Stephanie managed a smile. "Eggs are about the only thing I can cook. Shane gave me a cookbook, a hundred ways to cook an egg for when I went to college. It came in handy. Justin...can we talk? As friends? Just between us? You're the only one that I fully trust." She gave Justin a sad eyed look.
Justin put a hand on Stephanie's shoulder. "Of course. I do not gossip. So tell me what's wrong. Worried about your father coming back later?" He had to tread carefully.
Stephanie took a sip of her coffee. "Among other things. Oh look, I've had feelings for Chris Jericho for a while now. Tonight, he confirmed he had feelings for me. We agreed to a relationship, or at least try to start one. He was supposed to call me when he got home. He never called. Justin, the nanny told me Chris wasn't home yet. His phone goes to voice mail. I have a terrible feeling…Orton got him." Her voice was filled with worried emotion as she spoke.
"I...wish I could say something wonderful to help, but yeah, sounds like something Orton would do. They will probably just ask him some questions, then let him go." Justin tried to give encouragement, but he was at a loss. He had no idea she had feelings for Jericho.
"Oh Justin, if that were only true. Orton is a vengeful man. Chris' son, Ash got in a fight with one of Orton's brats. Orton won't let that kind of thing go. I...I had a dream. Chris was screaming for help." Stephanie let a few more tears fall.
Justin was still at a bit of a loss. He wasn't sure what he expected, but this wasn't it. For the moment, he put away his own revengeful side and became more of a brother; Stephanie needed a friend.
"It was just a dream, Stephanie. It came across like that because of your concern for Chris. Look, even if Orton does have him, it doesn't mean he will kill Chris. Orton can't take a risk like that, not now." Justin moved closer and put his arm around Stephanie's shoulder in a brotherly hug.
Stephanie looked at her most trusted lieutenant. "Why? Why not now? Justin, I've had premonitions. Oh Justin, that's why I have always avoided relationships. I didn't want anyone hurt because of...my faction association. I am tired of being alone I thought, for once, that maybe it was worth the risk. Chris is a great guy when he lets himself just be...Chris. Now, Orton has him. I should have never agreed...Chris...Chicago..." Tears rained down her pretty face. Justin gently brushed them away.
"Orton can't afford the risk because the cops are on his ass about Adam and the quadruplets. I am sure the cops are watching him...and us. Not all dreams are premonitions. Dreams are outlets for our emotions. It's the minds way of cleaning itself. Stephanie, no one understands better than I. I have turned down many opportunities for relationships. When I met Drake, I knew I had found the one with taking a risk for. Just because we are in the business we're in, doesn't mean we can't love. Having that special love for someone, makes it worthwhile. Look if something...we will be here for you. Look at Wade, happiness can be found in the darkest hour. We will be here for you." Justin finished, and took his last bite of food, it was too good to waste.
Stephanie blew her nose. "I didn't think of that. Yeah, Orton can't risk killing Chris. At least I hope not. Justin, I am glad for you and Drake. I am also glad for Finn and Wade. It's so sad, first Wade loses Alberto, then the baby he wanted so badly. I am not a selfish bitch, I care deeply, about all of you. That is the difference between my father and myself. To Vince, you are all just pawns and can easily be replaced. To me, you are like my brothers, and it is my duty to protect you, even at the cost of my own life. Justin, I know the others look to you to be their leader, or at least their spokesman." She was halted by Justin.
"I know what you are going to ask. Yes, we will support you if you to decide to go for a take over. Finn asked Wade and he too, agreed. As a matter of fact, we want you to take over. As much as we all respect your father, he is too set in the old ways, in the old codes. You will be a much better head of the family. So rest assured, we will stand behind you." He gave Stephanie a firm nod.
Stephanie gave Justin a smile. "Thank you. That is what I was going to ask. I am going to try talking to father first. I know the area commanders are behind me, as are most of the Chicago leaders. A few stand with father, but not enough to cause a war There are things father can do, besides leading the family. We also have to find Shane. We have to stop him before… he says more to the police. Why else would he be hiding I've never threatened to hurt him, he is my little brother..." She paused, and her eyes filled with tears again.
"Oh Justin, where is Chris? What is Orton doing to him? And, where in the hell could Adam and those brats be? Why would Orton take his own family? Then try to blame us?" Stephanie went from sad to mad, then back to sad as she thought about Chris...and her dream.
"You should override your father and send our overseas people to check your properties. Shane could be anywhere in the world. If he knows the truth about you and your father, he would want to be as far away as possible. He would also know the security of your international properties isn't...the best. I know I would want to get out of Dodge if it were me." Justin paused, took a sip of coffee, then continued.
"As for Orton taking his family? To put the blame on you. It would be a way to get law enforcement on your tail. That means we have to curtail family business, so Orton moves in. One thing, Randy Orton is...brash. He may get tripped up in his own web. As for Chris Jericho, I am sorry, but all we can do is wait." Justin gave Stephanie another gentle pat on the shoulder.
Both Justin and Stephanie reached for their hidden weapons when the door from the garage burst open. One of the McMahon's security guards stepped into the kitchen.
The man spoke in a frantic tone. "Oh ma'am. I was just going to wake you. You'd better come. A car stopped at the gate, a body fell out and the car tore off. Ma'am, it's Mister Jericho...he's dead."