Stephanie McMahon turned in the passenger seat and glared at her captive. "Try anything and you will have a bullet in your brain. Now that you know the truth about Randal, I wouldn't bother making any long term investments. I do hope your insurance is paid up. Just keep your fucking cop mouth shut, and your family will stay safe." She growled her words. Stephanie wore a look of absolute disdain on her face.
"Anyone touches one hair on my family's head will have every law enforcement officer in Kansas City on their ass. What will happen to Shane?" Hunter's tone and faced matched that of his captor.
Stephanie cackled. "Yeah, right. Don't worry about my dear, baby brother. Now get out. Finn, Drake, come with me."
Justin hid his panic. "Ma'am, I thought you wanted me to go with you. I was the second for your parley with Mister Orton." He spoke with a calm voice, but he needed to be there, to protect Shane and Hunter. He still held the bottle of water in his hand.
Drake spoke up. "You will be safe, babe." He wanted Justin out of danger. He feared shots would be fired.
Finn turned in the driver's seat. He looked at the three men, his eyes narrowed at the bottle of water in Justin's hand. It was obvious it was still full...and in the wrong hands.
Stephanie looked at Justin. "Well, maybe you're right. Drake, you stay on our dear Detective. Finn, make sure we are alone. Justin, stay close to me. Let's go, now." She opened the door and stepped out of the car. The four men followed suit.
Finn Bálor scanned the area. As hard as he tried, he saw absolutely no sign of police. No one was at the park. It wasn't unusual for the time of day. Also, this part of the park had no playground for children, part of the reason Stephanie had chosen it.
Randy and Shane had gotten out of the car. Randy pointed to an area deeper into the park, under some grand oak trees. It was close to the cliff that looked over the Little Blue River below.
"We will go first." Finn called out to Orton. He wanted to check the area first. He turned to Drake. "Come with me. Give me that water, Justin. I'm thirsty." Bálor's eyes constantly scanned the area as he spoke.
Justin looked at the bottle of water, maybe he'd been wrong He put it down to the tension of the situation. He handed Finn the bottle. "I will be alright. The Detective here will behave, won't you Detective?" Justin opened his windbreaker and flashed the weapon holstered there. Hunter gave a resigned nod.
"Go." Stephanie ordered her men.
Randy grabbed Shane by the arm and shoved him up against the car. Shane gave a grunt of pain, but gave Randy a sly wink. Randy flashed a very brief grin. He gave Shane a lot of credit for his courage.
Finn and Drake went to the area where the exchange would occur. Both men scanned the area and looked up in every tree.
"Looks clear to me, Finn. Oh, thanks." Drake smiled and took the bottle of water Finn held out to him.
Finn nodded. "Yeah, I will stay here. Go tell madam it's safe." He looked as Drake went with a nod, water bottle in hand. He noticed the Child Advocate took a sip from the bottle as he walked.
"Orton, take my dear brother to Mister Bálor. Then we will bring the cop." Stephanie called out to Randy.
"Alright. You heard your sister, move!" Randy roughly grabbed Shane and nearly drug him along as they wet to where Finn Bálor stood and waited.
Stephanie chuckled when Shane fell to one knee as Randy pulled him along. She then frowned, Drake had started to cough, and it seemed to be getting worse.
Justin gave Drake a pat on the back. He took the bottle of water Stephanie held out to him. "Here, sip this, maybe you swallowed a bug." He hadn't seen Drake drink from the other bottle of water and assumed Finn still had it.
Drake took a few sips from the bottle. "Thanks, maybe I did." He took a few more sips and stopped coughing for the moment.
"Okay, let's go." Stephanie started to walk to where her brother, Randy and Finn stood. Justin and Drake walked on either side of Hunter.
As they got halfway to the grove of trees, Drake coughed again. He took a couple more sips of water,. When they got to the others, Drake's cough grew worse. He could hardly catch a breath.
"What's the matter, Drake?" Finn asked in an odd tone of voice. It put Justin on edge.
"Stephanie, what's going on? I thought we were here to do business." Randy was confused...something else was happening and it had nothing to do with Shane or Hunter.
"Randal dear, what would you do if you had a fox in the hen house? And then, discovered who the dirty rat was?" Stephanie crossed her arms over her chest and smirked, brow arched at Randy.
Randy spoke as a crime boss. "If I was sure, beyond any doubt, I'd put a bullet in his head, after the one I put up his ratting ass."
Stephanie flinched at the thought. "I see. Well, to me, that is too quick. An interesting visual, but too quick. See, I poison mine. Make them suffer for the sins they have committed..."
She was cut off by Justin. "What! What have you done?! Drake is loyal to you! Where did you...I'm calling an ambulance!" Justin pulled out his cell phone. Finn stopped him.
"No! He's the one that's been helping the fucking pigs! He's the one that told Orton we were going to kidnap that ex-blond bitch of his. Drake Younger has betrayed Madam and the rest of us. You the most, as he is your boyfriend. You should be thanking me. I'm the one that put the bug in Mister Jericho's ear. I knew she would listen to him. She did, then I told her how much damage, Younger had done. Madam gave me the honor of poisoning him. I thought he wanted the water. It scared me to death when I saw you had it. Thank God you didn't drink it. Awe, what's the matter Younger? Can't you breathe?" Finn spoke with an ice cold voice. Humor danced in his eyes.
For a moment, no one moved. Before anyone could blink, a single click was heard. Kenny Omega pointed a weapon, right at Stephanie McMahon.
"First one of you to even flinch...you're under arrest for crimes against the State of Missouri. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can not afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just explained to you?" Kenny asked as he tightly placed Stephanie in handcuffs. Bret Hart cuffed Finn Bálor in a concert of metal clicks.
Jason when to where Justin tried to help Drake Younger. "Ambulance is on the way. What kind of poison was it?" He helped Justin loosen Drake's dress shirt and tie.
Drake struggled to breathe, his eyes fluttered. "Stay with me, Drake. Stay with me. I dunno… find that water bottle." Justin was a bit frantic. There was nothing he could do at the moment, a very helpless feeling for a doctor.
Finn Bálor was livid. "I hope the fucking rat dies! See! See how he betrayed us!" He struggled, but Bret's grip was like an iron vise.
Justin looked at Kenny. Kenny gave a nod with an impish grin. He kept a firm hold on a very stunned Stephanie McMahon.
Justin gave Drake a look, then got up to stand in front of Finn Bálor. "You got it all wrong, as usual. It was me, Bálor, it was me all along. Oh, I am a doctor, but, I am also Special Agent Justin Gabriel of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Book them, Chief." It was all Justin could do not to spit on Bálor.
An ambulance arrived with several police cars. Bray Wyatt came out of his hiding place. He held on to a man in handcuffs.
"Fuck!" Stephanie exclaimed. The man in handcuffs was Baron Corbin. The police officer who had been on the McMahon's payroll.
Justin went back to Drake as the EMT's got him ready to transport. Jason handed the water bottle to Justin. "It was on the ground by the car. I hope it helps. You go with him, but remember, he is under arrest, or will be. I will send a guard. I know Justin, but you knew the risk. I am sorry." Jason knew the feelings Justin had for Drake were real.
Justin looked at Jason. "Yeah, I know. I broke the rule and got personal. Don't worry, I will be alright. I will talk to you later. Gotta go." He turned and followed after Drake.
Drake was on a gurney pushed by two paramedics. Jason sighed, Justin was one tough bastard. He knew the man would be okay; eventually.
Randy gave a growl as Jason placed him in cuffs. After all, he still had a part to play, and he was arrested. Stephanie didn't need to know anything else, like the fact he would testify against her in court.
Bret's cell phone rang. He pulled it out and answered it a few feet away from the group. He ended the call a few minutes later with a laugh.
"Well, mission complete. All your lieutenants are now in our custody. This is a great day for Kansas City. Let's get to the station. Now the real work begins. Oh Hunter, I think you have a phone call to make." Bret handed his lead Detective his phone.
Shane looked at his sister. "Not that it matters to you, but I do love you. I'll do what I can for you...for mom." He meant what he said.
Stephanie smirked. "This is just a hiccup, Shane. Wait till father hears about this. My advice, get on the first plane out of town."
Kenny laughed. "You mean your father, who is in our custody in Chicago?" He took hold of Stephanie and forced her to walk to a waiting police car. She suddenly followed like a lamb.
Finn Bálor struggled to get out of Bret Hart's grip, but failed. Randy walked with Jason and muttered curses. Jason gave mental props to the man, Randy was doing a great job.
Shane followed the others. He was happy. He knew it was far from over, but Shane had done his part to reduce crime in the city. It was a good feeling. Maybe, just maybe his mom was proud in Heaven.
At Adam's house, the Scrabble game had ended. Seth, Dean, Adam and Shawn once again sat in lounge chairs. The watched the quadruplets and Megan play on the swing set fort. Their minds were well aware of the danger going on in Kessler Park.
Shawn sat up like he'd been hit by a bolt of lightening when the sound of a siren could be heard. It came from the direction of Kessler Park. The area was only a half mile away from Adam's house.
"It's...it can't be. You know we hear sirens all the time." Adam tried to sound calm, but failed miserably.
Shawn tried to relax, but he was ready to snap. "There's things you don't know. This is...city wide. If one of McMahon's or Randy's men get away..." Shawn knew how big this was and all it would take is for one small thing to go wrong.
"I knew there was more to it, but I didn't know what. I could tell by the way Jason was." Adam stated with a deep sigh.
Ida and Nancy came out of the kitchen. Ida carried a tray of freshly baked lemon bars. Nancy had two pitchers of cold milk, plastic cups, paper plates and napkins on her tray. They set the trays down on the picnic table.
"Snack time, children." Nancy called out. Happy shouts were heard as the quads ran to the table. Megan didn't run, but she walked rapidly.
Ida brought a plate of lemon bars and one of the pitchers of milk to the four adults. "Enjoy, boys. If you want more, just ask."
"Thank you, dear Ida. You and Nancy need to sit down and rest." Dean spoke like a doctor.
Ida smiled. "We will, when the entire family is..." She was halted when Shawn's cell phone rang.
Shawn grabbed his phone so fast, he knocked over the little table with the lemon bars and milk. The glass pitcher and plate shattered. Megan and children looked, but Nancy immediately kept them occupied by serving their snacks, and saying something about silly adults.
Shawn looked at the phone. "Fuck...no...no…it's Bret." He hesitantly pushed to answer. "He...hello…Hunter!...oh thank God...yes...alright...yes, we'll stay here…see you later...Hunt, I love you...Hunter! Not over the phone...you naughty man...oh...oh...is Justin alright?...okay...I will...I love you, too...bye, babe." He ended the call.
Shawn looked at Dean, Seth and Adam. "It's over. They are alright. He will be here later, lots of clean up work. Adam, he wants us to stay here till he gets home. Dean...Drake was poisoned. I don't know how bad it is, but Hunter said it wasn't good. He also said he would tell us more when he gets home. Also, he said from now on, Randy will be in jail. Hunter said Randy did a perfect job. They are safe, and that's what matters." Shawn recapped the call from his husband.
Adam looked at his own husband. "Babe, are you alright? It's okay to be worried. You did love him once, you shared an intimacy with him." He took Dean's hand in his.
Dean smiled. "That's why I love you so much." He stood and kissed Adam. He then helped Ida and Shawn clean up the mess that had been made.
Seth and Adam helped as much as the others would let them. They moved to the picnic table when Dean took the garden hose to clean up the milk and glass missed.
Shawn looked at his daughter. "Dad will be here later. Everything is just fine for now." He, of course, had not told her, but Megan knew enough to know her father had been in terrible danger.
Megan smiled. "Good. Is Shane alright? He is very nice." She had a secret crush on the law student.
Shawn looked at his daughter. "He's fine. Honey, do you feel alright? You look flushed." He reached over and checked Megan for fever.
Jade giggled. "Meggie's in love." She yelped when Jan poked her in the ribs with her cast.
Shawn looked at the twin girls then at Megan, who was suddenly having a deep conversation with Jordan, about shades of pink. He shook his head, well, after all Megan was a teenage young lady. Shawn also thought, Shane might make a good son-in-law. He stopped that thought with a mental slap to his face, Megan was a baby. She was much too young to be thinking about boys.
Adam looked at the range of emotions that crossed Shawn's face. He leaned over to speak softly to the older man. "Who is it that always says my quads aren't babies anymore?" He had a sparkle of teasing in his hazel eyes. It was easy to be happy now that everyone was safe...well, almost everyone.
"Daddy, excuse me." Jade asked politely.
Adam smiled at his daughter. "Yes, baby?"
"Daddy, will that man be back?" Jade asked, in only the way she could.
Dean was the one to answer as he sat down. "No, little lioness. He will not be back here."
James looked at Dean. "Did he go to jail?"
Adam knew he had to answer and he had to be truthful. "Yes, son. I don't know for how long. He will have to go to court. I know this has been very confusing and very hard for you to understand. When you are older, you can decide to talk to him or not. Always keep in your deepest heart, you four are here because of him, and he loves you very much. But, Dean is your father now, and Uncle Roman is going to ask a Judge to let you be Ambrose's. Are you sure you still want that? We won't be mad or upset if you want to stay as Orton's. Sometimes you say something, then later, after you've thought about it, you change your mind. My point is, be sure it is what you want." Adam sighed, he didn't put it very well, but it was a confusing thing.
James looked at his brother and sisters. "We'll go talk about it. Meggie, come with us?" He looked at Megan. She always listened to them and never treated them like babies. She often gave them good advice too.
"Sure. Let's go to the playhouse." Megan stood. Jan and Jade took Megan by the hand. James and Jordan followed. They soon vanished into the large playhouse.
Seth chuckled. "They look like a little committee off to decide the fate of the world. Hey Dean, you okay?" Seth noticed Dean looked a little...lost.
Dean put his arm around Adam's shoulder. "Yeah, I am alright. I hope Drake makes it, I never want anyone to die. I feel bad for Justin though, he'd really fallen for Drake. At least Justin made Drake do better at his job. Oh...I just realized… what is going to happen to Saint Luke's? They just lost their entire administrative staff."
"The board will have to take over. It will be rough till they hire a new Administrator, but there are lots of quality hospitals in the city. You will be swamped at Mercy. In the middle of all this, Hunter and I have decided to take Megan to see Doctor Lesnar. If something can be done, great. If not, then we will know. At least the pump has helped. Thank you, Dean." Shawn gave Dean a huge smile.
"That's the last thank you I wanna hear about that. But seriously, I appreciate it. I am glad now, I went to Mercy. I'm also glad John, Brock and Dave did too. We will go later in the week so Dave can check you, Jade and James over. Adam, I need to go finish up that insurance paper work. I will be in the office. I love you." He leaned over and gave Adam a love filled kiss and left to go into the house to do his work.
"He will be alright, Adam. I honestly think he's more worried about Justin. Also, it's a bit like your situation with Randy. You always care about your first serious love, no matter how badly it ends." Seth explained with a shrug.
"That's true. I will never be rid of Randy, the boys look just like him. I wouldn't have my babies without Randy. Oh well, enough of that. We can go back to a normal life now." Adam spoke with a smile.
At Saint Luke's Hospital, Justin Gabriel let out a sad sigh. Drake Younger had passed away. It had been too late. It had taken the lab a long time to analyze the combination of poisons in the water. It was so toxic, it was doubted if any antidote would have worked. Finn Bálor had done the job well.
Finn Bálor would be charged with Drake's murder. Jason had already called Kenny and told him to add it to the list of charges.
"Are you okay, Justin?" Jason was worried about the Doctor/FBI Agent.
Justin nodded. "I will be. They got Ryder with the drug run?" Business went on.
"Yes. He was the last one. We'd better get to the station. Now the real work begins." Jason spoke as they walked down the darker hallway. They had escorted Drake's body to the morgue.
"Yep. I will say this, I want Finn to rot. I don't like the death penalty, but I understand it. Still, I'd rather see him suffer for the rest of his life behind bars." Justin spoke honestly as he got into the passenger seat of Jason's truck.
At the police station, Randy, Finn and Stephanie were in the same holding cell. Finn paced the caged area like a mad man. Stephanie and Randy sat at a table. Both smoked cigarettes like steam trains.
"Where was my brother?" Stephanie asked as puffed a cigarette like it was a cigar.
"The fucking Helmsley's had him. I made sure Shawn was with Adam, then I just walked right into the Helmsley's house and took Shane. I knew when you told me about the note, he was still there. Come on, that's the oldest ruse in the book." Randy stubbed out his spent cigarette, then lit another one. He kept on playing the game.
Stephanie scoffed. "I figured as much. My stoic little brother can't even lie on paper. When I think it was fucking Gabriel all along, it makes me sick. I was so convinced Drake was the betrayer, then both Finn and Chris...speaking of, why did you beat the fuck outta Chris? You had to know he didn't have the resources to take your family." She flicked her ashes into the ashtray.
"Like I told you yesterday. I owed him for Jordan, my pink loving baby. Bálor, man, please, sit the fuck down. You are getting on my nerves. Not a wise thing to do to a guy with IED issues." Randy fairly growled at Bálor.
Finn sat down, but his left leg bounced like an out of control basketball. He lit a cigarette to help calm his nerves.
"How could I have been so fucking wrong. God! I am going to be charged with Drake's murder and he wasn't even the fucking rat!" Finn raked his hands through his hair. He took a deep, lung bursting drag from his cigarette.
Stephanie looked at Finn. "Drake may not die. If nothing else, Justin is a fine physician, the other aside. I thought it was Drake too. Too much had happened at Saint Luke's. He would have known how to get Adam and kids out. He knew about the security system. I see now, of course, so did Justin. He was just so...convincing." Stephanie sighed. For the first time in her life, she felt like an utter failure.
It was Finn's turn to scoff. "Not even Justin could save Drake, ma'am. It was a Tullamore cocktail. Fifteen different poisons. There is no single antidote...on purpose. My father taught me how to make it. Wade, oh fuck, I just thought of Wade! He's not completely well yet! I...never...I have a ring for him..." His voice trailed off as he thought of his handsome Wade.
"I'm sure they will know to be careful of Wade. They may be cops, but they aren't cruel." Stephanie reached over and gave Finn a pat on the back.
"Fucking hell, Bálor. You don't fuck around do you? That Belfast special impressed my weapons expert. Finn, for what it's worth, I am sorry about your brother. He got in our way. It's the business." Randy spoke with honesty. However, a lot of things bothered him now, that never bothered him before. Maybe, he could find redemption.
Kenny Omega came to the door of the cage like cell. "I thought you should know, Drake Younger died an hour ago. Bálor, you'd better have a very good lawyer. Come on, you have a lot of questions to answer." He waved Bálor to the door.
Kenny had Finn put his hands behind his back and turn around. Kenny cuffed Finn's hands through a slot opening in the door.
"Finn. Don't say anything." Stephanie barked as Kenny unlocked the door and took Finn in hand.
Finn smirked at Stephanie. "I won't, ma'am. I am no fucking rat." He gave a growl as Omega pulled him.
Stephanie sighed. "He should have been my second. But father...well, he's not fond of the Irish. I should have taken the old man out a year ago." She got up to stretch her legs.
"I would have supported that. That's why I started Kansas City. I wanted to prove to my old man I could run my own faction. He's gonna shit a brick when he hears about this." Randy let out an award winning sigh.
"Well, as you said to Finn, it's the life we chose. We knew the risks. I wish we could have worked together sooner. Say, what about your kids?" Stephanie looked at Randy, brow arched.
"I am sure Adam and his husband, the good doctor are on their way to get them. My mom will see to it, she adores Adam." Randy gave a shrug as he spoke. He'd been prepared for the question.
"Dean Ambrose and Adam are married?" Stephanie was surprised. She had not heard that bit of news.
Randy again shrugged. "Yeah. I found out when I took the kids. I don't know when, but they are. I should have shot them when I took the kids, but, I didn't want the kids to see it. Of course, a good threat to never see the babies again worked wonders. I also threatened our housekeeper." He lied through his teeth, but, if he was going to actually kidnap his children, it was exactly how he would have done it.
"You are a cunning bastard, Randal. Randy, I never really said anything, but your quadruplets are adorable. You're lucky to have them. I wanted a family, but I just never took the time. Now, that I found someone, it's too late." Stephanie's voice cracked and her eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them fall.
Randy smiled softly. "They are the best thing that ever happened to me. We lost our first baby. We weren't sure Adam could carry again, but we were blessed with four at once." he sighed. It didn't matter now. He'd signed them away. Randy knew it was the best thing for them. He lit two cigarettes and handed one to Stephanie.
At Adam's, the blond had started to worry. The children and Megan were still in the playhouse. He wanted to go check on them, but walking across the uneven yard would be hard on his hips.
"Poppa Shawn?" Adam looked at Shawn with his huge puppy dog eye look.
Shawn rolled his eyes. "Yes, I will go check on them." He got up with a laugh and went to the playhouse.
Adam watched as Shawn returned. "For all their talk about not needing afternoon naps, they are sound asleep."
Adam chuckled. "So is Seth." He looked over at his friend, fast asleep on a lounger.
Adam frowned. Dean came out of the kitchen. He looked so sad. "Babe?"
Dean sat down at the picnic table next to Adam. He laid his head on Adam's shoulder. "Justin called. Drake died. There was too much poison in his body." He gave a sigh.
Adam wrapped his arms around his husband. "I'm sorry, babe. I know you cared about him. It's alright to feel how you feel."
Dean took strength from Adam. "Thanks, baby. I'll call his family later. They haven't been told yet. Where are the little lions." His breath tickled Adam's neck.
Adam let out a light laugh. "Sound asleep in the playhouse, or they were. Here comes our little pride now." Adam nodded toward the approaching youngsters.
"Hi, daddy. Hi,dad." The quadruplets chorused as they sat at the picnic table.
"Hello little lions. Hello, Miss Megan. My, you all look rested." Dean beamed with pride at being called dad.
"We kinda fell asleep after we talked. We still want to be Ambrose's. Meggie said it would be easier. When our baby is born it will be an Ambrose. We all want to be the same. We won't change our minds." James spoke honestly as he told of their decision.
Dean puffed up even more. "I think that is a fine idea, little lions. And a very good reason. What do you think, daddy?"
"I agree. I think it's a grand idea. Megan, I hadn't even thought of that. It would be better. Dad and I will tell Uncle Roman to take care of it." Adam spoke with pride at the thought.
"Yeah! Woohoo! Yes! Yippee! The four little voices chorused happily.
Megan laughed. "I remember an old movie daddy and I watched. A woman with eight kids married a man with ten kids. One of the lady's boys signed his name at school with the step-dad's name. Anyway, they wound up adopting each other's children so they all had the same last name. You know how it is. Why is your last name that, but your brother's last name is this." She finished with a shrug.
Adam laughed. "I know that movie. Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. One of my favorites. That's using your head Meggie Pops. Now, you four go upstairs and wash up. Miss Ida and Miss Nancy will have supper ready soon." Adam rubbed the top of James' head.
Megan stood. "Come on, my monkeys. I will help you." She waved the four children inside.
"Thanks, Meggie Pops." Adam smiled.
Dean grinned. "She is a good girl. Well, I have one more report to finish. I will be done before dinner. I love you." He gave Adam a kiss.
"Love you. Don't work too hard." Adam returned Dean's kiss. Dean also went into the house.
Seth spoke from his lounger. "He will be fine." He stretched a bit, stood, then joined Adam and Shawn at the picnic table.
"You were sleeping. He got the news, Drake died. I told him it was okay to feel bad. I hope when all this is over, we can all get away for a while. I still have the Vegas reservations." Adam spoke in a thought filled voice. He was more than ready to get out of town for a while.
Seth frowned. "Wow. I'm sorry about Drake. Roman and I did have some fun times with Dean and Drake. I told you about the naked pose down. We had fun, before Drake started to change. Is Ro back yet?" He let out a small yawn.
Shawn shook his head. "No, not yet. Judge Lawler can be very long winded, but threatens me with contempt of court when I make a long summary. Also, this is a bit out of the normal procedure for this kind of thing."
Seth laughed. "Sounds like Judge Lawler. He thinks he is a king. Oh..." Seth exclaimed as his cell phone vibrated. He pulled it out and read the text message.
"Ro is on the way..." Seth turned to the open French doors to the kitchen. "Miss Ida, Roman is bringing a big cake for dessert..." Seth turned back to Adam and Shawn. "I wonder what my husband is up to. Adam, mind if I freshen up? I still have some clothes upstairs." Seth arched his brow at his friend.
Adam playfully rolled his eyes at his best friend.. "No, go to your own house. You silly boy, of course you can. My home is your home." He gave Seth a light nudge. With a laugh, Seth went up to make himself handsome for his man.
Adam and Shawn were alone. Adam let out a sigh. "It's really only just starting, isn't it?"
Shawn nodded. "Yeah. You realize the children will have to testify in court. I will help them prepare, but I can't tell them what to say. Maybe I can arrange to take them to the court house, show them how it works."
"Why would they have to testify? They never saw anything. No, Shawn. I will not put my children through that." Adam's anger grew as he spoke.
Shawn put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "You forget, Adam. When the took Jordan at Worlds of Fun. Also, the time the had to hide at Randy's. They did see things, son. I'm sorry."
Adam slumped his shoulders. "No, I didn't forget what happened. I just didn't realize it would mean they would have to testify."
Shawn gave Adam a pat on the back. "They will be fine, Adam. If nothing else, Randy helped you raise four wonderful children. I know they will be brave little lions. You have to set the example for them. I will also try to push for video testimony. But, don't count on it."
Adam smiled. "I know you will do what you can. Oh...I will have to testify too. Well, I can do it. Oh Shawn, it's all a nightmare."
Before anything else could be said, the kitchen erupted in chaos. Roman, Hunter and Shane had all returned. Megan and the quads had come downstairs as had Seth. Dean had also finished his work.
Shawn got up and hurried to his husband. Their reunion was love filled and wonderful to see.
For now, happiness reigned in the house, but darkness was on the edges. One game was over, but another one was ready to begin.