Randy Orton stood in Jame's bedroom and lightly fingered the saxophone case. "Their concert is this week. They were so afraid I was going to miss it. Now… and he and Jan had solos…." Randy's word were halted by the ring of the door bell.
Shawn perked. "Oh, sounds like Hunt. Maybe he's heard something."
"Let's go." Dean stated. He was more than ready to get Randy back downstairs. Having him so close to the entrance of the safe room made him nervous.
Randy led the way back downstairs. They heard Hunter in the kitchen, as he spoke to the Reigns'. Greetings were exchanged, coffee poured and Roman dished up a bowl of chili for Hunter. Shawn gave his husband some of Ida's delicious cornbread.
Randy sat down across from Hunter. "Well? Any news?" He fiddled with a cigarette, but didn't light it.
Hunter chewed his bite of food. "No, not about Adam." He took another large bite, he was hungry.
Dean looked at the Detective. "What do you mean, not about Adam? Did you find out something about the little lions?" He wasn't sure if Hunter still played the game or if something unplanned had occurred.
"No, nothing with the children either. We got a call to go to Saint Luke's. Chris Jericho was badly injured. We had to investigate." Hunter responded with a casual calm. He took another bite. Hunter wanted to judge Randy's reaction.
Randy's brow arched. "Jericho? What happened?" He toyed again with the unlit cigarette.
Hunter gave a shrug. "Not sure. He was too out of it to answer any questions. He looked like he'd been on the losing end of a bar fight." He looked Randy directly in the eye.
Randy lowered his eyes, he couldn't take Hunter's glare. "Maybe he was. Karma is a bitch."
Hunter wondered how far he could push. Maybe he could indirectly trip Randy up. "Karma? What do you mean by that?" He took a bite of cornbread.
Randy shrugged. "Maybe his son got into another fight. Maybe the kids father didn't like it. Maybe he tried to steal another contract. Maybe he just got drunk and started a fight. Look, I don't mean to sound… callous, but his son… Jordan… stop wasting time with losers like Jericho and find my family!" Randy went from bitter to angry. He stood with a growl. Randy went out to the patio and lit his cigarette.
Hunter looked at his husband. Shawn gave Hunter a smile. He went out to talk to Randy.
Randy stared at the children's swing set fort. "I'm sorry, Shawn. I know Hunter is doing is best. It's just… I'm scared. For only the third time in my life, I am scared. The first time was when Adam lost the baby. I was scared I would also lose Adam. The second time was when the quads were born. They were early and so small. I was scared we would lose them too. Now they are gone… just gone. I am scared to death I will never see them again. To never hear James and Jan make up silly songs. To never wonder at the beauty Jade and Jordan create with their art. And Adam… the best friend I've ever had..." Randy took a deep drag from his cigarette and fought back the tears.
Shawn felt truly bad for Randy, the father. But, even that couldn't overshadow the fact that Randy was also a murderer. Shawn sighed and laid a hand on Randy's shoulder. Randy turned to the touch.
"Hunter will find them, Randy. You have to have faith in that. Why don't you go home to Mike. He must be as frantic as you are." Shawn honestly didn't know what else to say. He wanted Randy as far away from Adam and the children as possible.
Randy sighed. "Yeah, you're right, Shawn. I should be with Mike. Dean has enough, he doesn't need me moping around. Tell them I said bye and thank Dean for letting me see their rooms. Tell Hunter to call me, no matter what. I'll go out the side gate. Thanks, Shawn. Mike needs me." Randy turned and went out the side gate. Shawn followed and locked the gate behind Randy.
The lawyer went back into the kitchen. "Randy left. I told him to go home to Mike. He said to thank you for letting him see the kids rooms. Hunt, call him when you hear something. Now, tell us the truth about Jericho." Shawn sat at the table with a smile.
Hunter frowned. "I wish you hadn't chased him off so fast. Jericho did say one thing; Orton. I wanted to push Randy a but more. He was lying through his teeth about karma. Oh well, never mind. We will talk to him again later." He took his last bite of food.
Shawn sighed. "Sorry, babe. I just wanted Dean to be able to get back down to Adam. Guess I missed tacos after all." He gave another sigh.
Seth chuckled. "You three go downstairs, Roman and I will watch things up here. Shawn needs his tacos." He waved his hands at the Helmsley's to shoo them along with Dean.
Dean reached into his pocket and put his wedding band back on his finger. "That's better. Seth is right, Shawn needs his tacos." He stood with a laugh as he, Shawn and Hunter headed for the safe room.
Thirty minutes later, Randy Orton sat at the head of the table in the conference room of the house in the basement of his mansion. All his lieutenants were there as well. The mob boss was not a happy man.
"Jericho talked. I just don't know what he said. Hunter tried to brush it off, but he knows more than he said. We should have killed Jericho. The worse new is, there is nothing new on Adam and the babies." Randy spoke in a very angry tone of voice.
Ted cocked his head. "What do you want us to do? We could get to Saint Luke's and finish Jericho off."
Randy shook his head. "I'm sure he won't be there. You can bet McBitch has Jericho in hiding by now. I'm going to keep pushing Hunter. He will break, one way or another." He spoke with a growl. Randy wanted his family found...now.
Across Kansas City, Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett were settled into guest rooms at the McMahon mansion. Justin was in Chris' room. Jericho was in bad shape.
Drake watched as Justin finished checking Chris. The physician let out a sigh. "He should be in the hospital. If he moves wrong, his cracked ribs could break. It could possibly puncture his lungs." He doubled checked the tightness of his the bindings around Jericho's chest. It would help keep his ribs stable.
Younger could hear the worry in his lover's voice. "Maybe you should talk to Madam. Seems like she would want what's best for Chris. We could hire a guard."
Justin nodded. "I will, but, let's see how he does. I have him mildly sedated. Sheamus!" Justin called out to his fellow lieutenant.
Justin spoke to Sheamus as the Irishman entered the room. "I want Chris watched carefully. He can't move around. You and Cesaro work it out. Drew can help. Madam will not be pleased if anything happens to Jericho." Justin had to have help. He couldn't be everywhere at once and he was tired.
Sheamus nodded. "No worries, Justin. We won't let anything happen to Mister Jericho. You should to rest. To be honest, you look almost as bad as Jericho, no offense. Drake, take care of him. Justin is too important to lose to exhaustion." He spoke with real concern. They looked to Justin as their leader.
Stephanie McMahon entered the room. She was dressed in comfortable jeans and a tee shirt. The men had never her seen her look so…normal. "I will stay with Chris. I heard everything. Justin, I know you're worried and so am I. If Orton got wind he was at the hospital… with that pellet gun he has. That's also why I wanted Wade out of there. If it comes to it, I will let you take him back to the hospital, but, I will set up my office to accommodate him. Sheamus, come relieve me in a few hours. By the way, father will be here before noon. I have a phone call to make. I need permission from old man Flair. Tomorrow, I take over, even if father doesn't like it. Drake, tell Finn to make sure my gun is loaded and ready." She spoke with utter confidence and sternness. As much as she cared for Chris, her father had to go, one way or another.
At Adam's, tacos were being devoured. Hunter even ate a few. Dean spoke. "Sorry you had to wait, little lions." He watched as his step-children almost shoveled their food into their mouths.
Adam licked his fingers. "I told them I could finish cooking, but they wouldn't let me."
"Cause you burned up the shells last time, daddy. We love you, but you can't cook very well." Jade spoke honestly.
The adults laughed...well, except for Adam. "I do try, but no, cooking is not for me..." Adam leaned closer to his children. "Shh, don't tell anyone, but that is why I married, dad Dean. For his cooking. Silly man thinks I love him, but I just wanted a cook for when Miss Ida is gone." He winked at his children so they knew he teased.
Dean's mouth fell open. "Oh, I see. The truth comes out. I guess nobody loves me." He pretended to cry.
James laughed. "Daddy was teasing you, dad Dean. We love you very much!" He gave Dean a thumbs up and went back to eating.
Jade put her hands on her hips. "Daddy! You broke dad Dean's nerve! Kiss him and make it better!"
"Well, I didn't mean to break your nerve, darling. I am sorry. I do love you. I would love you if you couldn't cook… but it sure is nice that you can." Adam leaned over and gave Dean a sound kiss.
Shawn got up and dashed to the bathroom. He looked upset. Hunter got up and followed his husband. Adam and Dean gave each other worried looks. The children were too busy with their chatter and eating to notice.
Hunter went into the small bathroom. He found Shawn sitting on the lid of the closed toilet, his head in his hands. Shawn sobbed. Hunter managed to kneel in front of Shawn, and placed his hands on the man's thighs.
"Shawnie, baby? What's wrong? Hunt's here, babe. I love you." Hunter was worried. He hadn't seen Shawn this upset since they first got the news about Megan.
Shawn scrubbed his face. "I love you, babe. It's just…we'll never have…what Adam has..." He covered his face gain and let more tears fall.
"Babe, what do you mean? We love each other very much. Just like Dean and Adam...don't we? Shawn love, you're not still…about what happened? I thought we worked that all out. Shawnie, don't leave me. I would die without you." Hunter gripped Shawn's thighs and spoke with his own tear filled voice.
Shawn shook his head. "It's not about that. It's…Meg. She will never…have children. We will never have our own grandchildren. I know it's not my fault, but..." He sniffed again. He tore off some toilet paper and blew his nose a few times.
Hunter smiled softly. "We might, honey. She's only fifteen. Look how much better she is now, with the pump. We're going to talk to Doctor Lesnar. Why don't we cross bridges when we come to them. She could always adopt children. All this fucking crap with Randy is… screwing with all our emotions. I love you, baby." He leaned up and kissed Shawn's lips softly, but with all his love.
Shawn smiled and took Hunter's face in his hands. "I love you, Hunt. Don't ever doubt that. The past is the past and a totally moot point. Yeah, you're right, maybe Doctor Lesnar can help, or if not, we will cross it when we come to it. At least she has a law firm that can help her adopt. I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean to fall apart. It just… for a moment with Randy. He's so scared, I mean really scared he will never see his children again. I almost forgot he wasn't the Randy we thought we knew. I will say this, be careful, babe. Randy is looking for a target, you as law enforcement..." Shawn didn't finish his thought. His tears had stopped and he'd pulled himself together.
Hunter kissed Shawn again. "I will, Shawn. I'm not ready to leave you and Meggie. Now, wash your handsome face. You don't want the kids or Adam to know you've been crying." He gave a little grunt as he stood.
Shawn chuckled. "Getting old there, gramps? Okay, give me a few. Hunter, I love you so fucking much. I am nothing without you." He stood and kissed his husband.
"I'm nothing without you. See you in a bit." Hunter gave Shawn a last kiss, then left his man to wash up.
"He's okay." Hunter said quietly as he sat back down. He gave Dean and Adam a wink that said all was okay.
"Daddy, we're finished. Thanks for cooking, dad Dean." James spoke for himself and his siblings.
"You're welcome, little lions. Take your plates to the kitchen, please. Girls, put the leftovers away and boys, do the trash." Dean gave orders like he'd been a parent for years.
"Yes, dad Dean." The four spoke in their quadrupled chorus. They got up and did the requested chores.
"Thank you, my darlings. When you're finished, go to your room and play. And don't eavesdrop!" Adam spoke with a smile yet he had "that" tone.
"I won't drop eaves, daddy. I promise, cross my heart." Jade stated as she crossed her heart with her fingers.
Adam smiled at Jade. "Good girl." The four adults chatted casually while the children worked.
When the children were in their room, Shawn briefly explained why he'd been so upset. "...so I was just… overwhelmed for a moment. Now, Hunter, let's get home to Meg. These two have a wedding to celebrate." Shawn stood. He was anxious to get home.
Hunter also stood. "I agree. Congratulations, you two. It was an honor to give you away, son."
Hugs and kisses were exchanged. Hunter and Shawn hugged and kissed the children. Dean went up to let the Helmsley's out of the mirror door.
When Dean came back, he quickly washed the dishes while Adam dried. The children played a game in their room. It was comfortable, even for a safe room.
At the McMahon mansion, Stephanie sat on a chair next to Chris' bed. She studied her laptop as she communicated with Ric Flair, the absolute leader of the Kansas City "Organization."
Even though Ric was seventy years old, he understood that times changed and the old codes were extremely outdated. He and the other three Commanders were all for Stephanie taking over.
"Do I have your support, if I have to use deadly force to take over?" Stephanie typed her words with no hesitation. As she waited for a reply, she reached over and gently caressed Chris' brow. The man had let out a soft moan.
"It's okay, Chris. I'm here. You just stay still and rest. You're safe, no one can hurt you. You dream of our trip to Chicago." Stephanie spoke with deep affection. Chris seemed to settle and went back into a sound sleep.
Justin came into the room. He moved so silently, Stephanie hardly noticed him, but she did. She watched with anxious eyes as Justin checked Chris.
"He's doing better than I expected. You're being here has really helped keep him calm. I don't want to give him any more sedative tonight. Wade is feeling better. I knew he would do well here." Justin spoke softly.
Stephanie smiled. "I am glad Wade is doing better. Chris moaned a bit, but he went back to sleep after I spoke to him. I won't fight you if you feel he has to go to Saint Luke's, but let's keep it as a last resort. I don't trust anyone but you lieutenants."
Justin gave a nod. "Yes, ma'am. I agree with you. But, I also want what is best for Chris. Your office can easily be set up for him, if necessary."
Stephanie smiled. "Thank you, Justin. You need to get some rest. You were drugged yourself. It's okay to relax now. I will call if Chris makes takes a turn."
"I am going to bed now. I am exhausted. But yes, please, call if he gets restless. I'll be back after some sleep." Justin gave another nod, then left.
Stephanie smiled as Justin left and closed the door. "We sure got a winner with him, Chris. You just sleep on, I am here." She gave Chris another caress. Stephanie then looked at her laptop.
The computer gave a soft "ding" when another message from Flair appeared. Stephanie clicked on it. "Yes, you have our support. Blanchard wasn't happy, but the Anderson's convinced him. We have also approved the use of lethal force, if it's needed. We want you to try peaceful measures first. By the way, do you know of any reason why St. Louis is upset with us?"
Stephanie replied. She explained that Adam and his children had gone missing. She also explained that she felt Orton was behind it, to make Kansas City upset enough to move against her family. She also explained about Chris Jericho.
"...so, unless he gets worse, Christopher will remain here, where he will be safe." Stephanie sent her text.
It didn't take long for Flair to reply. "Interesting. No wonder St. Louis is screaming. But think about it, dear. If Randy had taken his family, why would Bob be so upset? He's too smart to thin we would bite that hook. We know you wouldn't break the code regarding children. Stephanie, dear girl, did it ever occur to you that the police could have taken them? To try to crack you and Orton. To cause you declare a war on one another, then try to catch you in the fight. This is the only logical thing I can think of."
As Stephanie read, it hit her like a brick. Of course, the police had Adam and the brats. She quickly typed a reply. "You're right. It is the only thing that makes sense. What would you recommend? I bow to your greater knowledge of situations like this." She it send and waited.
While she waited for Flair's reply, Stephanie stood and stretched. She heard Finn in the hallway, on his way to the kitchen to make Wade a cup of tea.
Stephanie stepped across the hall to Wade's room. The Brit sat up in bed. An old movie played on the television with the volume low. He looked up when he saw their leader.
"Hello, ma'am. How is Chris doing?" Wade asked with concern. Finn had told him that Stephanie and Chris were extremely close.
Stephanie moved to stand next to Wade's bed. "Holding his own for the moment. Wade, I haven't had a chance to say anything till now. I am so sorry about Alberta Maria. She would have been beautiful. Listen, I'm not...good at things like this, but I will try. Lean on Finn, he will help you and be there for you. You and Finn have my blessings..." She turned to leave when she heard her laptop "ding."
Stephanie turned back to Wade and took his left hand in hers. "I promise you, Wade. You, Alberto and Alberta Maria will have justice. I swear it on the code and the family medal." She let go of Wade's hand. She pulled her medal out and kissed it, to prove her words.
Wade smiled. His eyes filled with emotion. "Thank you, ma'am. And ma'am, you have our full support and our undying loyalty." He smile grew brighter as he spoke.
"Thank you, Wade. I appreciate that. You rest, Finn will be back soon. Call if you need anything. Now, I have to see what Commander Flair has to say. Goodnight, Wade." Stephanie gave Wade's arm a pat, then left.
Wade heard the door of Jericho's bedroom close. He knew something major was about to break. It wasn't an everyday occurrence to be in communication with the Supreme Commander of the Kansas City mafia. Wade grinned brightly, Finn was back with a pot of tea and plate of delicious looking cookies.
Stephanie smiled as she settled back into her chair. Chris slept peacefully. She clicked on the new message from Flair.
"Our advice, call for a parley with Randal Orton. If our guess is right, the two of you will have to work together to bring the cops down. We will provide any resources you might need."
Stephanie sighed. She had thought that would be the directive, there was just one problem. Stephanie began to type. "I will call for a meeting. There is one problem. Father is due home before noon. I fear he will try to interfere and cause issues. I can't deal with the Orton mess and father. What do you suggest, Sir?"
At the Orton mansion, Randy sat up in his bed. His laptop rested on his knees. Mike laid on his side, his back against Randy and snored softly. Mike was used to the sound of Randy working well into the night.
Randy had decided to finally ask Ric Flair for help in locating Adam and the children. He wanted to prevent a war between his father and whoever the guilty party was. It was not an easy task.
"...so can you help, sir? I will control my father, but I need help. I want my babies back." Randy added a picture of the quads to his message, just as a reminder of what was at stake. Ric loved the kids.
Stephanie McMahon kissed Chris Jericho's cheek. She'd gotten up to adjust Chris' bed covers. When her laptop "dinged" she sat back down to read.
"Leave your father to us. He will remain in Chicago for a few more days. He will not refuse. I am also speaking with Orton. I will tell him to expect your call, but, I will not tell him why. That is your job. Contact me again if you need me. Goodnight, dear girl. Ric Flair."
Stephanie was relieved her father would be kept out of it, for now. She also wasn't stupid. She knew this was a test. If she handled this right, she would shine in the eyes of the District Commanders.
She typed a quick reply. "Thank you, sir. I won't let you down. Goodnight, Uncle Ric. Love, Steph." Stephanie hit send, then shut down her laptop.
"Ma'am, time for you to get some rest." Sheamus spoke softly as he entered the room.
Stephanie stood with a smile. "Thank you, Sheamus. Watch him carefully. If he gets restless, call me immediately. I will sleep light." She gave Chris a kiss on the cheek. Then she picked up her laptop and left. She was tired.
At Adam's, the newlywed couple lay in each others arms and tried to remember how to breathe. Though difficult, Dean had suggested a way they could consummate their marriage and not risk Adam's surgery.
"Dean, that was utterly amazing..." Adam closed his eyes. He could still feel the euphoria from his climax.
Dean had made nest of pillows and laid Adam on his left side. He then laid behind Adam. They were able to make love. Dean could reach around and stroke Adam's cock while his own slid in and out of Adam's tight, hot ass. Adam had never felt anything as intense in all his sexual life. While it had been a bit painful on his hips, it was totally worth it.
Dean held Adam close. "Well, I briefly dated a chiropractor. I learned a lot about how the body can move. But be honest, how are the hips?"
Adam nuzzled against his new husband. "Achy, but worth it. Now I am officially Adam Ambrose. I love you, husband. You are happy, aren't you? I didn't push you into our marriage too fast, did I?" He worried that maybe they hadn't done the right thing.
"Baby, I wanted to marry you after our first date. So don't fret about that. I love you, husband. I also can't wait till those little lions are also Ambrose's. Do you need a pain shot?" Dean went from content to worried.
Adam kissed Dean's chest. "I'll manage the pain. I hate the meds. But, I promise, if it gets too much, I will tell you. Don't worry, we will make sure the kids have your name. I love you. Sleepy now." He gave Dean another kiss.
"I love you. Goodnight, husband." Dean returned Adam's kiss. Within minutes, the newlyweds were fast asleep.
Across town, Randy Orton closed his laptop. He was puzzled by Commander Flair's last message. Ric had told him to expect a phone call from Stephanie McMahon. Ric had also warned him to listen to what she had to say. He also ordered Randy to obey the rules of the code on a parley. Any nonsense would not be tolerated. Randy knew something had happened, but wasn't sure what. Something told him, Stephanie had nothing to do with his missing family.
Randy smiled. As soon as he settled down into the bed, and turned out the light, Mike plastered himself against him. Randy wrapped his arm around Mike and held him close. Mike sighed in his sleep.
Randal Orton lay awake. Ric's message kept churning through his mind. It suddenly hit Randy like a ten ton brick wall.
"Fucking hell!" Randy shouted and sat up so fast, it startled Mike out of his sleep.
Mike sat up, reached over and grabbed his gun out of the drawer of the bedside table. He pointed it at the foot of the bed, but saw no one. "What the hell, Randal?" Mike shouted out of fear.
Before Randy could speak, Ted, Cody, AJ, JoMo, Zack, Heath and Dolph burst into the room. Every single lieutenant had their weapons drawn, ready to cut down the enemy.
Randy had to laugh. "Guys, relax. It's alright…." He went on to explain about the text from Commander Flair. "...so, I thought about what he meant, and why Stephanie would want to parley with me. I know she does not have Adam and the babies. But, I know who does..." Randy was halted when Heath suddenly spoke.
"The fucking law has them." Heath had been quietly thinking about the missing children and Adam. He'd reached the only conclusion left.
Randy turned deadly serious. "Couldn't have said it better myself. By the way, I'm sorry I yelled, but thanks for the quick response. An intruder wouldn't stand a chance against you."
Mike gave Randy a semi-playful smack upside the head. "Don't scare me like that again." He understood, but Mike's heart still pounded in his chest.
Randy hugged Mike close and kissed his temple. "Sorry, baby. Okay guys, try to get some sleep. Thanks again. We'll meet in the morning." He gave his lieutenants a wave of dismissal.
Ted spoke for the men. "You got it, boss. Don't worry, you'll soon have your children back." He and Cody led the others out of the master bedroom.
Randy and Mike settled back down in the bed, after Mike put his weapon away. "I'm so sorry, baby. Your heart is still pounding. I just hope we can work with McBitch. She is responsible for the accident that nearly killed the babies and Adam."
Mike took a deep breath and found his center to slow his heart down. "It's okay, but I thought… never mind, it's good now. So, do you think Hunter knows? Would he actually put you through the pain? Or Ambrose?" Mike snuggled closer and was now totally relaxed.
Randy let out a thought filled "hum" sound. "I'm not sure. But…no…that would mean everyone from Miss Ida, the Reigns', Dean, Shawn and Hunter would have to be faking. No one is that good. Besides Hart wouldn't be so stupid, knowing Hunter is almost family. I'm going to bet that's why he's called his retired husband in. Maybe Justin can help."
"That Doctor, who is one of McMahon's men? Maybe he's been playing you, Randy. Can you really ever trust a rat?" Mike asked with a yawn.
Randy also frowned. "Yeah, the Doctor. I don't know, babe. I think he can be trusted. I have a feeling he is out to get McMahon. Tomorrow I want AJ to do some digging into McShit's South African dealings. If he is trying to bring down Vince, there has to be a reason why. Hell, maybe we could even help him." He pulled Mike in closer.
Mike yawned again. "In a way though, it's a comfort to know." He nuzzled against Randy and closed his eyes.
"What's a comfort?" Randy asked with a yawn of his own.
Mike sighed. "If the lawmen do have Adam and the kids, they are safe." He loved Randy, but he wished his man could just shut down his brain and sleep.
"Oh...I didn't think of that, but yeah. They would at least be safe and taken care of. But...where could they be?" Randy fought back another yawn. Sleep was such a waste of time.
Mike gave Randy a pat on the chest. "Randy, turn it off now. You want to be rested and refreshed to talk to Madam McMahon. Love you."
Randy sighed. "Yeah. Love you, baby." He kissed the top of Mike's head. He chuckled as he closed his eyes. Mike already snored. Randy finally closed off his mind and fell into a deep sleep.
Justin Gabriel had woken up from a deep sleep. Sheamus was in the hall, and spoke to Cesaro.
"He hasn't moved, so that's good. You're to call Justin and Madam if he..." Sheamus halted when Justin came out of his room.
Justin nodded to his fellow lieutenants. "Go, I'll stay with Chris. I want him to go without sedation if possible. So I need to monitor him."
Cesaro nodded. "I'll bring you some coffee and breakfast in a bit."
"Thanks. I would appreciate that. Sheamus, get some rest. Thanks for relieving Madam. She so desperately needed a rest." Justin gave another nod, then went into Jericho's room. Justin made sure the door was tightly closed.
The physician gave Jericho a fast but complete exam. Justin was pleased. The quiet rest was doing the patient a great deal of food. His cuts had started to heal, and his bruises weren't any worse. Jericho was a fast healer, that was always good. Just as he pulled the covers up over Chris, Stephanie came into the room.
"How is he?" Stephanie looked at Chris with deep concern in her eyes.
Justin shook his head. "You should be sleeping. He's doing very well. Chris is a naturally fast healer. But, I still worry about his ribs. I'm going to sit with him for a while." He gave Stephanie a worried look. Their leader still looked tired.
Stephanie smiled at the physician. "I'm alright. I did get some sleep. Justin, I need to talk. I've spoken to the District Commander. He made me realize something. I am going to call Orton later and request a meeting, under the parley rules of the code. He is also going to make sure father stays in Chicago for a few more days." She sat in the chair next to Chris' bed.
Justin perked, but let nothing show. Anything he could learn to pass to Jason would be wonderful. This had to end, sooner rather than later.
The doctor pulled up a second chair. "I'm all ears, ma'am. May I ask? What did you come to realize?" He arched his brow at Stephanie. He also prayed someone was listening.
In the home of Chief Bret Hart, and his husband, Jason, someone was listening. Kenny Omega had just sat down with a cup of coffee when he heard Justin speak. With a smirk on his face, he pressed record.
Stephanie McMahon waited. Sheamus and Cesaro has brought coffee and breakfast. Cesaro had gone to the bakery down the street, and bought sweet danish and savory sausage biscuits. After they put the tray down, the couple left. They would be told what they needed to be told, when they need to.
Justin took no shame in tearing into a warm, flaky sausage biscuit. He watched as Stephanie also took a moment to eat.
"I love that bakery. They are also very loyal to us. Our street boys keep it safe and the baker's wife feeds them what's left at the end of the day." Stephanie spoke casually while she ate.
Justin nodded. "There is a restaurant near my family's place that does the same. Street kids are people too. It's always good to care for them. Maybe I could offer medical services once things with Orton cool down." He spoke with a passion.
Stephanie swallowed with a nod. "I would agree to that. Father never cared about the street kids. They are our bread and butter..." She paused, took a sip of coffee then continued.
"You know, I don't think Orton took his family. His reaction was too strong. Commander Flair made me think. If we don't have Adam and the brats, and Orton doesn't have them, who else would benefit? What would you guess, Justin? Say the first thing that comes to mind." Stephanie arched her brow so high it vanished beneath her bangs.
Justin leaned back. "The cops." He had to say it. Only an idiot wouldn't see it. He just prayed Hunter and company were prepared.
Stephanie grinned. "Exactly. They would do anything to bring us down. What better way than to instigate a war between us and Orton. Sometimes I wonder how the police manage to catch the criminals they do catch." She ended with a laugh.
Justin smirked. "Well, even the Cubs win the series once a century. I should have thought of it. I agree, Orton's reaction was too real to be guilty. How do you think Orton will react? Will he even agree? I would be honored to be your second." Justin again prayed she would agree. Part of the code of parley was for each leader to have a second to act as a witness.
Stephanie sipped her coffee. "Don't worry, Justin. Commander Flair assured me he will tell Randy to parley. He won't go against the code. You would be my choice for second, but the others will have to have a formal vote. I'm going to shower and change. We will meet with the others after."
Justin knew Drake would object and he wasn't sure about Finn. All he could do was wait, and hope they voted for him. If not, lives could be lost...including his own.