Kenny Omega paced Bret's home office like a caged lion while he debated on waking Bret and Jason. After all, the sun was just rising. But, the danger of the "game" had just increased. If Justin Gabriel wasn't elected to be Stephanie McMahon's second, they would be in trouble. He let out a growl of frustration.
Kenny made his decision. He went to the door and opened it. "Bret, Jason, get up and get in here, now! Things are about to blow!" His voice echoed down the hall towards the Hart's bedroom.
Two hours later, Stephanie McMahon and her lieutenants sat at the table in the kitchen. Wade had been allowed to join them. The butler, William Regal, had been sent upstairs to sit with Chris Jericho.
Stephanie explained to her men what she had discussed with Commander Ric Flair. "...I am going to call Orton shortly and request a parley. If the police do have Adam and the kids, it could lead to a serious problem. We will have work with Orton. I also need a second. Justin has volunteered but, as you know, he has to be elected. We need to decide before I call Orton."
Drake Younger quickly spoke. "No, Justin. It's too dangerous. Let me or Finn do it." He spoke firmly.
Wade spoke next. "Sorry Drake, but I think Justin is the best choice. Finn, you know how I feel about you, but you know you don't have the temperament." He gave Finn an apologetic look.
Finn looked at Wade with a wink. "I know. I would probably kill Orton if he looked at me wrong." He ended with a shrug. It was a strange feeling, Finn knew Wade was right and he wanted to make the Brit happy. So, that is love, he thought to himself.
It was all Stephanie could do not to let her jaw drop. "Finn...I'm proud of you. Drake, a parley isn't dangerous. You know, no weapons are allowed. Anyone who breaks a parley is… well, it isn't pleasant. So, continue your discussion." She needed her lieutenants to make their choice.
The McMahon lieutenants continued to talk among themselves. Drake was protective of Justin and tried to argue the point, but the others knew he was the best choice.
"Ma'am, we elect Justin to be your second." Drake spoke for the others with great reluctance.
Justin smiled at his lover. "Thank you, all of you. Drake, it will be okay. Madam is right, a parley isn't dangerous. It's not my first time as a second. I did it in South Africa quite often, and I am still here." He wasn't a smart ass, just truthful.
Drake scoffed. "Orton wasn't in South Africa. I will try not to worry...too much." He was extremely worried about his beloved.
Stephanie spoke. "Justin, make sure Regal knows what to do while we're gone. Drake you stay and help him. Finn, you take care of Wade. The rest of you know what to do. I will go call Orton." She stood and went to her home office to make the call.
In his mansion across Kansas City, Randy Orton finished his breakfast. Only Mike was with him. His other lieutenants were already at work.
"Zack and Dolph will make the pick up for the street boys. JoMo is back up. AJ is working on what he can find out about our South African friend. Ted, Cody and Heath are doing Orton Pharmaceutical business. Thanks for letting me be your second." Mike filled Randy in on everything going on in their faction.
Randy finished off his breakfast. "Thanks, babe. Nobody else I would want by my side. You and Adam are the only ones that understand my IED issues. I need you..." Randy paused, his cell phone had rung.
"Randal Orton...oh, hello Stephanie…Yes, he told me...I agree...yes, I know...Michael...yes...one hour...yes...see you there." Randy ended the call and looked at Mike. "Crown Center in one hour. Ric is letting us use the company room. Gabriel will be her second." He lit a cigarette.
Mike chuckled. "I forgot about the company room at the Crown Center. Commander Flair is smart. She wouldn't dare double cross us there. Oh remember, we have to disarm." He stood and took their dirty dishes to the sink.
Randy laughed. "Yeah, Ric is a crusty old salt, but at least he moves with the times. I am curious as to what Stephanie has to say. Well, come on my love. Morning traffic to downtown is a fuckin' bitch. I do not want to be late." He stubbed out his smoke. He and Mike headed out for their meeting.
In the home of Bret and Jason Hart, Kenny sat glued to the listening device. Bret was on the phone to Hunter while Jason paced.
"...no, not yet. We need to find out more first...yes, our man Justin…hurry up and get here, Hunt. We can discuss it then...yes…see you." Bret ended the call. He put his phone down and looked at his husband.
Bret sighed. "He's on the way. He wanted to warn Dean. I told him to wait, till we know more. No sense in raising a panic with the children; until we have to. However, we may need a new hiding place." He let out another sigh. Everything was going to pick up speed, and they had to be ready.
Hunter Helmsley gulped down his coffee. Shawn looked at his husband with concern as he prepare his own briefcase for work. "Hunt, what's happened?"
Hunter looked at Shawn. "I can't say right now..." He glanced over at Megan. Their daughter sat at the table and ate her breakfast. "I'll tell you later. It will be alright. I've got to get to Bret's. I promise, I will call you later." He gave Shawn a kiss, then went to his daughter.
"Have a good day, Meggie Pops. I love you." Hunter kissed the top of his child's head with all his love.
Megan smiled at her father. "I will. You have a good day too. We're going to see Champion. I love you, dad." The teenager kissed Hunter's cheek with a bright smile.
Shawn brushed some lent from Hunter's suit coat. He could see the worry in his husband's eyes. "Should I come with you? Roman can handle the office." He spoke in a near whisper as he looked over at Megan.
Hunter thought for a brief moment. "You know, perhaps you'd better. We may need your legal brain. Come, we've got to go." He gave Shawn a kiss.
Shawn kissed Megan. "Love you, sweetheart. You mind Nancy." He kissed her again.
"I will, daddy. Love you." Megan smiled. She watched her parents leave. She knew something was going on.
Down the street at Adam's a lot of giggling went on. Jan and Jade looked at each other, then broke out in another fit of giggles. James and Jordan did their share of laughing behind their hands.
"Okay, what are you little lions so happy about. Corn Flakes aren't that funny, even with bananas." Dean asked, his brow arched. Adam looked just as curious at his children.
Seth, who also sat at the table, laughed. "I bet I know." He winked at the quadruplets.
Jade finally stopped her laughter enough to speak. "Daddy has a kissy bruise on his neck." She pointed to the large purple mark on Adam's neck.
Adam's hand flew up to his neck as a flush stained his cheeks. "Well...it happens. How do you know of such things?" Now the parent in him came out.
"That other man. He 'splained when Mizzie had one. He said he kissed Mizzie too much." Jade stated. She still refused to say father for Randy.
Dean grinned. "I have to say, your daddy does taste very good. Now, after breakfast, it's school time. There is no reason for you to fall behind. So I want you to behave for daddy and do your work just like you were in school." Dean spoke in his new found parental tone.
James smiled. "Oh good. I want to go back to school. Jan we won't miss the concert on Sunday." He was very happy. Of the four, James liked school the best.
Adam sighed. "No, darling, you misunderstood. You will have school here. I'm sorry, but it is just the way it has to be right now. I know you're upset about the concert. There will be others. I am sorry, my babies. It hurts daddy's heart to say no to you. I'm so sorry." Adam's eyes filled with tears as he spoke.
"Don't cry, daddy. We understand. I blame that other man. Dis is his fault." Jade went to Adam and hugged him.
Adam sniffed and hugged Jade close. "Thank you, baby. But it does make me sad."
"It's more like Baby Ambrose making you cry. I cried like a baby the first few weeks. Come on, I have some fun learning things. I wanted to be a teacher before I decided on nursing. I promise, it will be more fun than regular school. So finish breakfast and we'll get started." Seth spoke with enthusiasm. He was excited about teaching the quads.
"That sounds like fun. Yes, creating a life will make daddy silly sometimes. So you little lions have to treat him with a lot of love and care. You want your little brother or sister to grow strong and healthy in daddy's tummy. I have work to do upstairs today, honey. Insurance stuff for my private practice. It will be plausible that I can do that at home." Dean spoke first to the kids, then to Adam.
James spoke. "Yeah, don't worry about it, daddy. Not your fault about school. Come on, let's finish. I wanna learn from Uncle Sethie." He spoke in a happy tone and finished his breakfast. His siblings followed suit.
Adam smiled. He was so happy. He had such wonderful, understanding children. He had friends who put themselves at risk without one moment of hesitation. He also had a loving, new husband and a baby on the way. It was almost enough to overshadow all the bad; almost.
Randal Orton and Mike Mizanin waited in the lobby of the Crown Center. Crown Center was the shopping and entertainment district in downtown Kansas City. It was the home of the Hallmark Greeting Card Company. It was also famous for two other things. It was considered to be one of the safest areas of the city with a crime rate of one percent. It is also the home of the Westin Kansas City at the Crown Center, the best and most expensive five star hotel in town.
It was the lobby of that grand hotel Stephanie McMahon and Justin Gabriel entered.
Stephanie and Justin approached as Randy and Mike stood. "Miss McMahon, Mister Gabriel." Randy stuck his hand out. It was shook by both.
"Mister Orton, Mister Mizanin. Thank you for agreeing to the meeting. Justin, take Mike and ask for the key to Mister Flair's room. They have been informed to give it to you." Stephanie gave Justin a nod. The two seconds went to do as requested.
The key was to the Royal Suite on the top floor. The room was beautiful. All the windows went from floor to ceiling. There was a dining table that could seat up to eight. The living room area had a large couch, love seat and two chairs that all faced a glass and wood coffee table. Soft lamps lit the area on two end tables. The room also featured a full sized grand piano. There was a full bathroom and one king sized bedroom. Ric Flair rented the room on a yearly basis for "company" business.
Mike turned the key and Justin opened the door. "Ma'am." Justin nodded to let Stephanie enter first.
Randy spoke. "You know the rules." He pulled his gun from his shoulder holster and placed it in the drawer of the desk that sat close by.
Stephanie did the same, only her gun was in her handbag. Justin's gun was in his shoulder holster and he also removed an extremely deadly looking knife from his boot. Mike removed his gun from a holster behind his back, hidden by his suit coat. He also removed a knife from his boot.
All four turned when a knock echoed on the door. Justin opened it with great caution. A butler with a sliver service cart stood there. "Mister Flair ordered this for you."
The butler entered and rolled the cart to the living room area. He placed it in front of one of the windows. "You are to ring if you desire anything else." He left with a polite nod.
Stephanie let out a light laugh. "That's Ric. Coffee, gentlemen?" She asked as she poured herself a cup.
Randy stepped up and fixed a cup as well. "Yes, Ric is the best. So, shall we sit?" He waved his hand toward the larger sofa.
Mike and Justin sat on the smaller love seat after they poured coffee for themselves. Now began their duties as seconds. Their job was to listen, be quiet and guard the two bosses. They would also act as mediators, should Stephanie and Randy get carried away.
"So, why am I here?" Randy asked as they settled in.
Stephanie looked at her enemy. "I do not have your family. Jericho does not have your family. None of the other factions in Kansas City have the manpower, ability or reason to have your family. Let's be honest, we both know who has them and why. Question is, what are we going to do about it? I, for one, have no intention of going to prison. I doubt you do either." She took a sip of her coffee and waited for Randy to speak.
"You don't waste time, do you Miss McMahon. Yes, I think we have reached the same conclusion. I will say, without apology, that Jericho got what he deserved, for my son, Jordan. However, my concern with him is finished. We will not bother with him again. Jericho is safe, from us. I will also say this. I don't think Hunter Helmsley is involved. He is too close to Adam and the children. All I care about is getting them back." Randy was open, honest and blunt.
"I suppose I can understand about Jericho. I am glad to know he is safe. I can also understand why you would think that about Helmsley, but I am not so sure. Who better to hide your family with? Adam would trust him, over anyone else. So would his lawyer husband. When loved ones are in danger, people can become fantastic actors. I should have suspected something was in the air when Doctor Ambrose quit, along with Adam and Seth Reigns. Now, Doctors Cena, Lesnar and Batista have left Saint Luke's. Too much has happened. Too many coincidences. Since you reached the same conclusion, do you have any idea where they could have taken Adam and the children?" Stephanie was also frank, honest and blunt.
Randy shook his head. "No, I can't… Hunter wouldn't do that. I've seen him, Stephanie, if I may?"
Stephanie nodded and Randy continued. "Thank you, please call me Randy. Anyway, I've seen him, he is truly upset. Shawn is beside himself and Dean is on the verge of a breakdown. My bet is on Jason Hart." Randy sipped his coffee as he finished speaking.
Stephanie arched her brow. "The Chief's husband? We thought he was retired. I will accept your judgment about Helmsley. After all, he is a family friend. I honestly admire the fact that you have managed to keep Helmsley innocent to your...shall we say, true self. Unless you have him on your payroll?" Her brow arched even higher.
Randy laughed. "No, dear lady. He is not on my payroll, but I wish he was. Hunter is too honest, as is Shawn. It has not been easy. Keeping it from Adam was easier. There were times when I thought Hunter might know, but nothing ever came of it. Stephanie, are the rumors on the street true, has your brother gone missing?" It was Randy's turn to arch his brow at Stephanie.
Stephanie let out a cross between a sigh and growl. "Yes, he's gone missing. No sign of him anywhere in the city. Randy, I wouldn't be shocked if he went to the cops. He has no sense of family loyalty. Father wants him dead."
"What about you?" Randy was curious. He got up to refill both his and Stephanie's coffee cups.
"Thank you." Stephanie took her cup from Randy, then continued after Randy sat back down. "I wanted to kill him and honestly, part of me still does, but no. I couldn't do that to mom. She wanted Shane so badly. Father blames Shane for her death. She had cancer, refused the treatment, then died holding an hour old Shane in her arms. Her last words were, don't blame Shane. But, father did; still does. I know it wasn't his fault. Still, if he has gone to the cops...I honestly don't know. It can't go unpunished, but it doesn't have to mean death." She ended with a look of sadness.
Randy frowned. He laid a brief, gentle hand on Stephanie's arm. "I am sorry about your mother. Adam lost his mother to cancer. Stephanie would you like us to take care of Shane? It would take the burden from your shoulders. I can promise to make it quick and painless." He spoke with sincerity.
Stephanie looked at her arch enemy with respect. "That is… a kind offer. You'd have to swear on the code it would be fast and painless. Maybe that special little weapon you seem to have. Let me think about it."
"Well...we're not here to discuss past...events. But yes, I would swear on the code, Shane would be dealt with quickly and painlessly. You know, I just had a thought. While Helmsley may not know about my family, he might know where Shane is. I know Shawn thinks very highly of him. Didn't he hire Shane to clerk during the time Megan had her insulin pump surgery?" Randy wanted to keep the meeting on track. Discussing past events would only lead to trouble.
Stephanie nodded. "Yes, as a matter of fact he did. I think Shane said something about a job offer after he finishes school. I agree, Helmsley may know where Shane is. Do you think you could figure out a way to get Helmsley's tongue to slip and trip?" She sipped her coffee.
Randy rubbed his chin. "I will try. Maybe I can work it in with Adam and the kids missing. Have you got any ideas? You do know, we are going to have to work together, whatever it is. What will your father say?"
Stephanie looked over at Justin. She needed his advice. "I think you should, ma'am. Mister Orton is correct. No matter what, our factions will have to work together. Best to be honest about it." Justin gave his boss a firm nod.
Stephanie smiled. "Justin is right. However, on the rules of the code, you can not use this parley against us."
Randy felt something very serious was about to be revealed. "I do know that, Stephanie." He too gave a firm nod. He also knew, at that moment, Stephanie had no idea about Justin.
"I am going to force father out. Willingly or not. I love father very much, but his time as the head of the family is over. He is too set in the ways of the old codes. He thinks computers are a waste of resources. As you well know, technology us what runs things now. Commander Flair and the three are behind me one hundred percent. As a matter of fact, as a favor, Commander Flair is keeping father in Chicago for a few more days. To give time to deal with things. But Randal, don't think of it as a weakness on my faction. The McMahon Council of Seven is behind me, one hundred percent as well. I will not be in a weakened position." Stephanie looked Randy directly in the eye. She meant business.
Randy held his hands up with a smile. "I would never think that. You, my dear lady, are a very formidable opponent. Well, I won't disagree with you about your father, mine is much the same. Saint Louis would like him to step down. However, I have no interest in Saint Louis. I can't and won't be that far from my children. Adam would never move to Saint Louis. Would you...kill him?" Randy looked at Stephanie. Her answer would tell him a lot.
"Without even a blink, because I know he would do the same to me. I honestly don't blame you. I am not fond of Saint Louis either. Too close to the Chicago factions. Well, Randy, we need to decide what to do. I am sure…" She was interrupted when Mizanin let out a gasp.
Randy gave Mike a hard look. "What?" He was annoyed at his lover. A second never spoke without being asked a direct question.
"Ma'am, Randal, I am so sorry, but a thought just occurred to me of where Adam and the children could be. What about… think about it, Ran...think." Mike gave Randy a look of near desperation. He didn't want to say it, not in front of the enemy.
Randy looked at Mike, then closed his eyes as the realization hit him. "Mike, you are absolutely right. But, if they are there… it would mean they are better actors than I thought." He knew what Mike meant. There was a strong possibility his family had been right under his nose the whole time.
Stephanie took her turn and went to refill their coffee cups. As she poured, she spoke. "Oh, let me guess, Adam's house has a panic room?" She handed Randy his cup and sat back down.
Randy gave a shrug. "Well...perhaps. Oh I suppose it won't hurt. Yes, it does. I am sure you have one as well. I am not sure, but the Helmsley's may have one as well. Most of the old mansions on Gladstone probably have them. After all, most of them belonged to faction leaders. The thing is, most people don't even know they are there. Adam and I found out about the one in our house by accident. A note under an old piece of furniture. It was only by luck Adam saved it. I hired some specialists to bring it into this century." He knew there was no way anyone would find the safe room or figure out how to get in.
Stephanie suddenly sat up. "That's it! It has to be! Shane must be in the Helmsley's panic room. I am not asking for details, but would your panic room be suitable to hide your family? What about their medical care?"
Randy shrugged. "Let's just say, yes. Well, Dean is a doctor and Seth Reigns is a nurse. It makes sense. Fucking hell, they are all Oscar worthy actors. I don't know about Shane. I honestly have no idea if the Helmsley's have a panic room or not. I can only assume they might have one. They never knew about ours. I made Adam promise to never tell. I just told him our wealth and art work collection could make us targets. He believed me, and never told anyone."
Stephanie laid a hand on Randy's arm. "Trust for trust. We too have a panic room at the mansion. Randal, our factions have done horrible things to one another over the last couple of months. I've been doing some serious thinking as of late. I think we would both get further ahead if we called a truce and worked together. Between the two of us, we could totally control Kansas City. The smaller factions could be divided between us. What do you think? Be honest, wouldn't it be better to stop wasting time, resources and good men fighting each other?" She had been thinking about a truce, mainly because of Wade losing his baby. It had hit her hard.
"Could I have a moment with my second?" Randy couldn't answer without an opinion from his lover.
Stephanie nodded. "By all means. Use the bedroom. In the meantime, I will order some room service."
Randy smiled. "Sounds good. We won't be long. Mike?" He indicated for Mike to follow him to the bedroom. Mike gave a nod to Justin, then Stephanie. He followed after Randy. They had a lot to discuss in a short amount of time.
"Ma'am, if I may, while you phone for room service?" Justin gave a node to the bathroom.
Stephanie grinned. "By all means. I am right, in asking for a truce, aren't I?" She arched her brow at Justin.
Justin stepped toward the restroom. "Absolutely. It is a very sound idea. Just don't give too much away." He gave his boss a pointed look. Then locked himself in the restroom.
The first thing Justin did was use the small device Jason had given him. The device told him the room was free of any listening devices or hidden cameras. He then sat down on the closed toilet. He pulled his McMahon medal out and whispered in near silence.
"Get them out. I know you heard. Get them out." Justin prayed with his his might that Jason and the others had heard everything. Adam, the children, and possibly Shane were in danger of being found. He stood, flushed the toilet and washed his hands. Justin looked in the mirror.
"Soon father, very soon. I promise. You will get your justice, I promise." Justin spoke to his reflection. After all, he was nearly a mirror image of his father. Justin dried his hands and stepped out of the bathroom. He had games to play.
In Bret's home office, Bret, Jason, Kenny Shawn and Hunter stared at the listening device in Kenny's hand. Then one by one, they looked at each other.
It was Shawn who broke the silence. "What the fuck are we going to do? Please tell me you have a plan B. How could we have been...so stupid?"
In the bedroom of the Royal Suite at the Westin Crown Center, Randy and Mike spoke. "I think it's a good idea, Ran. Just don't give away the street market. Maybe we could make a deal. They can have the sex boys and we can keep the drug boys." Mike made a thought filled suggestion.
Randy gave Mike a kiss. "That is a great Idea. Let's go see what madam Stephanie has to say." The couple kissed again and went back out to the main room.
Stephanie and Justin were at the cart the room service had just delivered. Some wonderful sandwiches and cookies to eat and iced tea and fresh coffee to drink.
"Let's have a bite." Stephanie suggested as she put two small cocktail sized sandwiches on her plate.
Randy, Mike and Justin all filled their plates and poured glasses of iced tea. The four then resumed their seats.
After a few bites, Stephanie again spoke. "So Randy, what do you think? Working together instead of staying on the brink of a war?" She arched her brow, and took a small bite of sandwich.
Randy swallowed a sip of tea. "You take control of the sex side, let me have the drugs. Then we call a truce. I am tired of our fighting. We've both lost good men." He looked at Stephanie and spoke firmly.
Stephanie's brow crinkled at the thought. "Do you consider that fair? Drugs turn more profit. You will still make money on sex. Remember RKO Pornographic?"
Randy chuckled. "As a matter of fact, I did..." He turned from Stephanie and looked at Mike. "Think Dolph and Heath would mind?" Randy had forgotten his porn company because Dolph and Heath ran it so well.
Mike shrugged. "I don't think so. Heath said it was getting boring because it's so efficient. I'm sure they would rather be free to help Zack."
Randy turned back to Stephanie. "What if I turn RKO over to you? You would, of course, change the name. That's worth a few million a month. It is world wide distribution. But that would mean you are totally out of the drug trade."
Stephanie looked over at Justin. "What do you think?"
Justin nodded. "Sounds fair to me. AJ could do a lot with distribution and your know Cesaro's family is the porn industry in Europe." He spoke bluntly.
Stephanie looked at Randy. She held out her hand. "Deal" Randy took her hand and shook it firmly.
"Truce. I will have the paperwork drawn up. Tell you what. To make up for some… past, Jericho can have the contract for Saint Luke's at the end of this fiscal year. I'll raise my price, so your board will be forced to accept Jericho. But, he is leave my other contracts alone." Randy thought the added gesture would help. It was time to work together.
Stephanie's jaw did fall open from shock. "That is very magnanimous of you. I am sure Chris will appreciate that. Um...Chris and I… well…I have high hopes. I do want my own family." She ended with a sigh.
"Now it is my turn to be shocked. Congratulations. I had no idea about you and Jericho. I'll tell you, Stephanie, there is nothing more wonderful than being a parent. You will understand one day. I want my children back, even if I have to kill Adam, or anyone else who..." Randy couldn't finish, he felt his anger begin to build.
Mike could see Randy's growing anger. He got up and went to his lover. "Ran, breathe. Now is not the time. The babies will be alright. You will hold them again. I promise." He spoke softly, not caring that Stephanie and Justin were there.
Justin caught Stephanie's eye. He nodded toward the bedroom. Randy and Mike didn't notice when the got up and left.
On the other side of town, Jason and Kenny spoke. Bret studied a map and the Helmsley's tried to keep calm. They had to figure out where to hide two adults and four children. They also had to consider that Adam, James and Jade still needed medical care as they recovered from the accident. Jordan and Jan also needed extra help because of their broken arms.
In the hotel bedroom, Justin spoke. "He was probably on the verge of an IED incident. Adam told me once Randy suffers with it. Mike will be able to calm him down. But best to give them some time. Ma'am, I think you've made a wonderful truce. If we work things right, we will make even more money for the company. My father has wanted to expand into the sex industry. To be honest, it's much safer than the drug side. Less chance of getting caught. Yes, you did very well, ma'am, very well indeed." Justin smiled brightly. He wanted to show as much support as possible, it was less suspicious.
Stephanie nodded. "I've heard rumors about his anger issues. Those were my thoughts. Let Orton deal with the drug problems. His company is better for hiding that type of activity. Cesaro's father will be very pleased. Hopefully, that will finally persuade him to launder for us and give us a Swiss bank account. I do want one thing… I don't want to know about any child stuff. I also can't get over the fact that he wants to give Chris the hospital contract. Why would he suddenly do that?" She arched her brow at Justin.
Justin looked out of the large window. He prayed Adam and the children would be safe. He closed his mind and turned to his boss.
"I think he's just as tired of the petty back and forth as you are. I also think he is glad to see you take over. Maybe it was his way of congratulating you. Or, maybe he felt bad about Mister Jericho..." Justin paused when a knock sounded on the door.
Justin opened the door. "We're ready now. Thanks for the privacy." Mike spoke with a nod.
Justin and Stephanie returned to the sitting area. After they all settled, Randy spoke.
"I am sorry about that. I...get upset about the children. Do forgive me. I do have IED. I am fine now, thanks to Mike. Now, where were we?" Randy spoke with warmth and was back in control.
Stephanie smiled at Orton. "It's alright, you have a medical condition. It isn't your fault, Randy. I am very pleased about our truce. I am also sure Commander Flair will be too. I'm afraid I got quite a lecture from him about our tit for tat activities as of late. Anyway, we need to decide what to do about getting your family out of the hands of the cops. Any ideas?"
Randy sighed. "I am going to take them by surprise. I will go to Adam's house, then I will go directly to the panic room. I will listen to whatever story they tell. Be very understanding, be the loving person they know me to be. We'll see what happens next. Just…be prepared to hear the news of the death of a certain Doctor and Nurse. I don't want to take Adam from the children, but if it's between him and my children, well..." He ended with a shrug.
"I will leave it to you. May I make a slight suggestion?" Stephanie asked her now former enemy.
Randy sat back. "Please do."
"Adam could be the key to finding my brother." Stephanie gave Randy a knowing look.
Randy chuckled a bit. "Of course, I should have thought of that. Forgive me, it will take a moment to remember you and I are...teammates now. I can hold Adam hostage in exchange for Shane. I will do that. Hunter will do anything to keep Adam safe, so would Shawn. Adam is the son they never had. So, you will get your brother and my children will get to keep their daddy. Stephanie, will you keep my children safe until everything is...settled. Your mansion would be the last place they would think to look. Mike would be with them."
"I would be glad to. They could use our old nursery rooms. Mike, you will be made welcome, with no fears for your safety. So when will you do it?" Stephanie was anxious to get things done. Getting Shane dealt with would go a long way with her father. It might even mean Vince would step down peacefully.
Randy looked at the pocket planner he always carried. "I have a legit meeting at Orton Pharmaceutical at two. I will pay a visit to Adam's house between four and five. If all goes to plan, you should have your brother by nine or ten tonight. I will keep in touch. Stephanie, this has been a real pleasure. We are going to be a very formidable team."
Stephanie gave Randy a bright smile. "Yes, we will be. I look forward to hearing from you. I will be sure to have not only Shane's room ready, but rooms for your children and Mike as well. I will also call Commander Flair and tell him everything. He will be pleased as well. Randy, there could be one problem; Finn Bálor..." She was interrupted by Justin.
"Excuse me please, ma'am. Don't worry. I will have a strong talk with Finn. I am sure Wade will be able to convince him it is the right thing to do." Justin spoke firmly.
"Thank you, Justin. Well, I think this parley is officially over." Stephanie, as the one who had called for the parley, had to be the one to also end it.
Everyone stood. They all shook hands. The four retrieved their weapons and made sure they were well hidden. Stephanie and Randy both left hundred dollar bills as tips.
The four left the hotel with confident smiles on their faces. Little did they know, across Kansas City chaos had erupted.