Chaos had erupted at the Jackson County Courthouse, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Several police cars and two ambulances screeched to a stop. Police officers, weapons drawn, ran into the grand, twenty-two story; building. The ambulance crews unloaded their gear and waited for the all clear before they could enter.

Michael Cole knelt on the floor, he was in shock. "How the fuck did he get in here with a gun! Where the hell was security?" His voice was a mix of anger and sadness with a hint of unbelievability.

A few blocks away, at the private practice of Doctor Dean Ambrose, Seth was confused. "This is strange." He looked at his cell phone like it had a deadly virus.

Adam looked over at his friend. "What's strange? Did I get something wrong on that insurance form for Mercy?" Adam knew he sometimes mixed things up. He still had St. Luke's system in his brain.

Seth shook his head. "No, the insurance forms were perfect. I meant the live closed circuit stream from the courthouse. They should have started an hour ago."

Adam's brow knit with worry, but he needed to keep Seth calm. "You know how the justice system is, Seth. Maybe Judge Lawler is speaking to the jury. That can't be seen or heard. I wouldn't worry about it. You know Roman would let you know if anything serious had happened."

"Yeah, you're right. I keep forgetting, anything to do with the jury is gagged. Oh, baby settle down please. Daddy didn't mean to upset you." Seth rubbed his belly. The baby had decided to take his after lunch swim, or so it felt like.

Dean came into the reception area. He rubbed both Adam and Seth's bellies. "Come on now, Tamati, you will upset your cousin Ambrose." He loved rubbing Adam's baby belly.

Seth closed his eyes. "Thank you, Uncle Dean. You have a magic touch. Tam won't calm for Roman as fast as he does for you… but, don't tell Ro that." He gave Dean a wink.

"I agree. Randy was good at calming the quads, but nothing like dad here…" Adam went on to explain to Dean why Seth had been a bit upset.

"...So I bet it has to do with the jury." Adam finished with a smile.

Dean nodded. "I'm sure that's the deal. Shawn said they were going to be very protective of the jury. Considering everything, it's a very good idea. Okay, I will be back for my three-thirty with Susie. I am off to Mercy for after lunch rounds. Call if you need anything. Love you, honey." He gave Adam a sweet kiss and a final rub to both bellies.

"Love you, babe. We will, drive safe." Adam called out as husband headed out of the office.

At the stables, Megan had just finished saddling Champion. She had tried to text Shane. "Hum… that's odd. He always responds within five minutes. Nancy, I want to go home. Something is wrong, I mean really wrong." Megan was so sure, she began to take off the saddle she'd just put on.

Nancy looked at her charge. She knew Megan was serious. "Alright, dear. I am sure Shane is fine. If he got called early to testify he won't have his cell phone. They aren't allowed in the courtroom." She took the saddle and hung it on the rack for Megan.

Meagan hung Champion's bridle under his saddle. "No, that's not it. Nancy, I… don't… can't feel Shane. I always feel him… it's like Jan explained… it's like a twin connection. Come on, you drive." She gave Champion a pat, then hurried toward the car.

At the courthouse, things were in a tightly controlled chaos. The media had been locked in their conference room. All cell phones had been confiscated by security. Also, all cameras were ordered to be turned off. Anyone caught violating the orders would be arrested for Contempt of a Judge's Order. For a group of journalists, you could have heard a pin drop in the huge room.

Shawn, Roman, Kofi and Hunter had also been locked in their meeting room. Hunter was on edge, his law enforcement mind was on overdrive. If something was wrong, he should be out there, helping his brother officers.

Shawn paced like a trapped lion in a cage. "What the fuck is happening? Where is Shane? Hunter, that was a gunshot we heard. It couldn't have been anything else." He stopped pacing to look at his husband.

Hunter went to Shawn and wrapped the smaller man in his arms. He kissed the top of his husband's head. "I know, babe. Yes, it was a gunshot. I should be out there dammit, I am a fucking police Detective." He was just as angry and frustrated.

Kofi Kingston leaned over to whisper in Roman's ear. "Do you think that some how, Vince McMahon shot Shane?"

Roman looked at the law clerk. "You took the words right out of my mouth. I hope not, but…" He let his words fade as Shawn sat down next to them.

All eyes turned when the door opened. A very pale and upset looking Nikki Bella stood there. "Detective Helmsley, Chief Hart is here, he needs you. Please follow me. And Shawn, before you ask, I can't say. You are to stay here, for now. Coffee and snacks will be sent soon."

Nikki waited as Hunter kissed his husband. The Detective followed the Assistant Prosecutor. The click of the lock echoed in the room. Shawn let out a sigh.

Roman loosened his tie. "Seth will be worried. He will wonder why the live stream is late. At least he is with Adam and Dean." He let out a worried sigh.

Seth looked at Adam. "I don't know how you did this with four in there are the same time." He gave his belly a rub.

Adam laughed. "It was very difficult, especially with two or more feet stomping on my bladder at the same time. But, I tell you Seth, it was also the most wonderful thing. Especially when our first baby stopped moving. I was thankful for every kick and flutter, even when I was in tears from frustration. So just remember, each kick and flutter is Tam telling you he is there, and healthy." Adam gave Seth a soft smile.

"You're right, Adam. I am sorry about your first baby. I think though, it gave you the strength and determination to deal with carrying the quads. I admire you." Seth returned the smile.

Adam flushed a bit. "Thanks, Seth. I appreciate that. Come on, we can take a tea break, then a pee break." The two nurses got up and went to the break room.

At the courthouse, Roman was the one that paced the floor. He was more worried about Seth than anything. He wanted his cell phone.

"Roman, Seth will be fine. He is with Adam and Dean, they will look after him." Shawn repeated what was said earlier, with a smile.

Roman sat down with a sigh. "Yeah, I know. You're right. Sorry, I just hate being trapped. I hate not knowing what is going on." He let out another sigh.

Kofi got up and filled their coffee cups "I can't use the laptop either. I was going to do more research. They have really locked everything down."

"I'm not surprised. I can only hope Shane is alright. I have a very bad feeling, and I don't like it." Shawn spoke with deep worry etched on his face as he sipped his coffee.

Roman looked at Shawn. "You don't think Shane… no he isn't the type." He was perplexed.

"No, but McMahon is. He could have had a security guard on his payroll." Shawn gave the younger lawyer a very pointed look.

Roman's brow furrowed. "Oh Shawn, you don't think…" He hated to say what he thought.

Shawn sighed. "Yeah, I do. I pray I am wrong. I don't even want to think of what it will do to Meg." He couldn't stop the terrible thought that was going through his head.

"Let's go to see Ida, maybe she will know something." Nancy suggested as they turned on to Gladstone.

Megan nodded. "Sounds good. I can see the monkeys." She wanted to keep her mind occupied.

Ida was thrilled when Nancy and Megan arrived. The quads were getting a bit under foot. They wouldn't start back to school until next week. Greetings and hugs were exchanged. Megan took the quads to the living room to play a much needed game of Candy Land.

Nancy explained why there had stopped around to visit. "… so have you heard anything?"

Ida shook her head. "No, I haven't. Adam, called earlier to check on the children, but he sounded perfectly normal. I am sure everything is alright. Shawn or Hunter would call if something was wrong."

Nancy nodded. "That's what I tried to tell her. She says she can't feel Shane. I wish we could hear something so she can stop worrying. I knew by coming here, the kids would keep her calm. So, how is your mother?" Nancy too wanted to keep her mind busy.

"I am sure we will hear something soon. To be honest, Nancy, mother is ready to go. I can see it in her eyes behind the dementia. I'm prepared as well. She is after all, ninety-eight now. She had a hard working life, but it was a good life. Mother has earned her eternal rest. Her heart is strong. The Doctor said I could stop the nutritional IV's, but I don't want her to starve to death. You know what I mean." Ida gave a sigh and poured two fresh cups of tea.

Nancy laid a hand on Ida's arm. "I do understand. Ida, my dearest friend, if you are truly prepared, tell her to go. She could be waiting for that. She many not remember you, but her heart does. He maternal instinct is still there. She can't leave unless she knows you will be alright. I've seen it many times." She took a sip of tea and a bite of homemade cookie.

Ida smiled. "Yes, I will do that, tomorrow, if possible. I should have thought of that sooner. I'm ready. Mother did the most wonderful thing she could when she was first diagnosed and could still legally function. She planned and paid for her funeral. All I have to do is call the the funeral home when she goes. I think she wanted to make it as easy for me as possible. Thank you, my dear friend."

The two women hugged. They continued to chat over their tea and cookies. Megan happily got lost playing a very rousing game of Candy Land with Jade, James, Jordan and Jan.

In the interview room at the police department, Randy Orton let out a growl. He had been locked in the small room after John Layfield had been removed by one of Hunter's fellow Detectives, an imposing man named Glenn Jacobs. Randy was also upset because the laptop they used to watch the McMahon trial had been taken away.

Randy's criminal mind went into hyper overdrive. Only one thing could cause this kind of quiet panic, a death. But who was dead? Who had killed who? Why? How? Randal Orton let out another growl, he needed his Mikey, it had been two weeks since he'd last seen his lover.

The former Mafia boss also hoped his beloved Adam and dear children were safe. Randy let a soft smile play on his lips as he remembered holding all four babies at the same time, for the first time. He also recalled how beautiful Adam had looked when in full bloom carrying the quadruplets.

Randy grabbed his head in frustration. He was angry with himself. He'd lost everything he'd held dear, just to try to prove his worth to his father. Oh, he knew divorcing Adam had been the right thing to do. They were just too much alike, and their arguments grew in their intensity. When it started to affect the children, they agreed to divorce. Adam became his best friend.

Randy had been honestly pleased when Doctor Dean Ambrose came into Adam's life. He hadn't seen Adam smile so much or so brightly. Randy also noticed how happier the children were, not because Dean was better, but because he had made their daddy smile again. Randy knew then that he would finally be able to move forward with Mike. He'd held back, to keep from rubbing their relationship in Adam's face. Randy's only wish now was that he hadn't taken so long to propose to Mike… now, it would never happen. It hurt Randy's heart.

Randy finally turned his thoughts to his children. His dear, sweet wonderful babies. Loud, exuberant Jade Mary. Gentle, quiet Janice Marie. Smart, observant James Mason and sweet, pink loving Jordan Michael. They were the absolute dearest loves in his life. No one on earth mattered more to Randal Keith Orton than his quadruplets. Randy would gladly give his life for theirs… and, in one way he had done just that.

Randal Orton knew he would be in prison, possibly for the rest of his natural life. It wasn't fair to Adam to be left to raise the children without legal help. Giving Doctor Ambrose parental rights over the quads was the only option. He knew his children would be in the best possible hands. Randy knew his children would do better with Ambrose as their last name instead of the seemingly cursed name of Orton.

There was one more thing to be done, then Randy knew he could face whatever was to come. Only Mike knew about it, for now. Shinsuke Nakamura had offered Randy the astounding price of one billion dollars for Orton Pharmaceuticals. At the time, Randy never thought to consider the offer, now, he did. All he had to do was sign the contract, sealed in an envelope, in Layfield's briefcase. He would sign it, the divide it by four. That would mean each quadruplet would have two hundred fifty million legit, legal dollars. It was the last, best thing he could do for the children. He would also sign over his legitimate bank account of five million to Adam. Knowing his ex-husband, Adam would donate it to charity. That was fine, Dean would support them without question. Randy leaned back and closed his eyes. He was satisfied.

At the Jackson County Courthouse, Hunter scrubbed his face with his hands. He, Bret Hart, Jason Reso-Hart and Kenny Omega watched the security camera footage of everyone who had entered the courthouse at the special entrance set aside just for them. Everyone else that entered went through the normal, everyday secured entrance. The law enforcers wanted to know how a gun got in.

Hunter leaned in, till his nose nearly touched the screen. "You're right, Kenny. They exchanged the hand signal right… there." He paused the video at the exact moment of the exchange.

Chief Bret Hart leaned to look where his lead Detective pointed. "My God. I would have never caught that. Where is the guard now?" He put his reading glasses back into his shirt pocket. Anger deeply carved on his handsome face.

Kenny spoke up. "Look…" He pointed to the screen that showed the live security footage. "He's still on duty, on alert. He knows better than to let himself standout. Jason, stay here and make sure he doesn't move from his post. Hunter, come with me." He took charge after a nod from Bret.

In the elevator, on the way down to the security checkpoint, the FBI agent and police Detective made their plan of "attack." Another sworn officer of the law, paid off to allow laws to be broken. By the time the elevator reached the ground floor, they were ready.

Hunter approached the older, yet muscular, near seven foot tall, security guard. "Hey, Nash. We need you upstairs, there has been an incident." Hunter spoke normally. He wanted to appear as if they needed the man's help with a security issue.

Kevin Nash had enough ego to think he was needed to help the police. He gave Hunter a nod and followed the Detective to the elevator. Kenny Omega fell in behind the two. Jason had stopped the elevator doors from opening, to prevent anyone from taking the elevator up. When he saw them approach, he remotely opened the doors from the computer he sat behind. Bret watched his husband with adoration.

Once the security guard, Detective and FBI Agent were in the the elevator, Kevin Nash realized his whole world was about to crash in on him. That thought was confirmed when the handcuffs encircled his wrists.

In their room, Roman let out a groan. "If they don't let us out soon, I am going to have to piss in the trash can." He tried to be funny, but he was serious.

Kofi nodded. "You aren't the only one, Roman."

"You're not alone…" Shawn got up and went to the door and tapped on it. "Hello? We really need to use the restroom. Hello?" He pressed his ear to the door.

Shawn was stunned when Bret Hart opened the door. "Okay, come on. No, I can not answer any questions. It is two doors down on the left. Please, don't dawdle." Bret wasn't rude, but he was terse.

Dean Ambrose stood at the reception desk at his private practice. "Okay you two, that was the last patient of the day. Seth, can you please arrange a bed at Mercy for Simon Williams. I am very concerned about that lump in his arm."

Seth picked up the phone and called the admissions desk at Children's Mercy Hospital. While he was on the phone, Adam put the charts from the days patients in Dean's briefcase. His husband always worked on them at home in his office.

Seth hung up the phone. "All set. He can check in at one tomorrow." He made the note in the chart, then handed it to Adam.

"Thanks, Seth. Heard from Ro yet? I thought he might need a session in the gym." Dean cocked his head at Seth.

"No, not a word. I am trying not to worry. I am glad I am riding with you two. For once I am glad I am too baby fat to drive...and I am too worried." He laughed a bit at himself.

Dean grinned. "Thanks, baby. Vesta never touched my briefcase. I always forgot papers, you never miss any. Seth, I am sure your Samoan sex God is just swamped. It is a huge trial. Okay my nurses, let's go home. I need my little lions." He took his briefcase from Adam.

At the Ambrose house, the children helped Ida set the table for supper. Nancy had run home to leave a note that she and Megan were at Adam's and suggested everyone was invited for dinner. Ida had made a huge pot of chili. She left the note in the usual place and headed back to Adam's.

Just as Nancy pulled back into the Ambrose's driveway, Adam's Kia, driven by Dean, pulled up. Greetings were exchanged. Adam went with Seth to the Reigns' house. Seth wanted to change and leave a note for Roman, just in case.

Twenty minutes later, Dean, Adam and Seth sat at the kitchen table and talked. Nancy helped Ida put the finishing touches on their chili supper. Megan and the quadruplets were upstairs doing something creative.

Seth spoke. "...it's just… something has happened. The vibe is off… I can feel it. Why the hell haven't any of us heard anything…" he was halted when Megan rushed down the backstairs.

"Nancy! Radio, now!" Megan pointed to the old fashioned radio Ida listened to when she was alone in the kitchen, doing her work.

Ida clicked on the radio, everyone listened. "...we aren't sure what happened, but several people reported hearing what they thought sounded line a single gunshot. The Jackson County Courthouse is in a complete lockdown. We haven't been able to reach our correspondent since the initial report. Stay tuned to KCUR-FM for further information…" The news report was replaced by soft, classical music.

"See, I told you! Shane was shot! That's why I can't…" Megan clutched her heart as she doubled over.

Dean got to Megan faster than lightening. He picked the teenager up and carried her up to the bedroom he once used. Adam, with Dean's medical bag in hand, followed. Nancy was right behind them.

Seth started to follow. "No, Seth. You and I need to see to the little monkeys, okay?" Ida halted Seth as he headed for the stairs.

Seth looked at the older woman. All he could think of was Roman, lying in a pool of blood. He jumped when he felt Ida caress his tear stained cheek.

"Sweetheart, I know you're worried. That courthouse is secure. It had to have happened outside. Stay positive. Now, those babies need their Uncle Sethie. Can you do it?" Ida spoke with calm reason.

Seth absorbed Ida's words. "Oh Ida, you're right! Roman would have been inside, in the courtroom, safe as houses. He can't call or text because of the lockdown. Yeah, let's get to the kids." He felt much better. He knew Roman had to be safe.

Upstairs, Megan was in the end stages of her panic attack. Ida had just told her the same she'd told Seth. It seemed to register in the young woman's brain.

Dean looked at the insulin reading he'd taken. "Her levels are fine. We need to calm her heart down. Reassure her about what Ida said." He spoke softly to Adam and Nancy.

"Uncle Sethie, will Meggie Pops be okay?" Jade asked as the all sat in the den downstairs.

Seth held all four children close, the girls on his left, the boys on his right. "Yes, my loves. Dad, daddy and Miss Nancy will make her better." He prayed he just hadn't lied to the children.

Jordan looked at Seth. "The radio said… Sethie, did that man shoot Uncle Shane?" He looked about ready to cry.

Seth hugged the four tighter. He knew from Adam "that man" was Randy. "No, my loves. Whatever happened was outside. Uncle Shane and everyone else was inside. We are all worried for no reason. It might not have even been a gun they heard. It could have been a silly person with leftover fireworks from New Year's Eve." The thought had just come to him and it made perfect sense.

"Uncle Sethie is right. We are silly to worry. Come on, let's play Old Maid." Jade happily suggested.

Upstairs, Megan sat up on the bed. She felt bad for all the panic she had caused. "I feel so stupid. I am sure Shane is alright. Thanks for rescuing me again." She gave a bit of a laugh when she saw the smiles on Dean, Adam and Nancy's faces.

In another small room at the Jackson County Courthouse, Stephanie McMahon stared out of a window. She'd been alone since her father had been called out of the room, just after lunch. She knew something wasn't right. The trial should have ended for the day by now. She had expected to be called to the stand.

The plan had been that she and her father would remain silent, then after Shane's testimony, they would work hard to damn his words. The problem was, they had not told Michael Cole the plan. It had been Vince's idea. Stephanie hadn't been sure of the plan but agreed. She sighed and sat back down.

Stephanie's mind turned to Chris Jericho. She'd not seen nor heard from him since the day she'd left to go to Kessler Park. She was angry at herself because she had wasted so much time, not dating Chris. Any and all hope of marriage and motherhood was gone.

Stephanie Marie McMahon realized what a waste her whole life had been and for what? Money and murder? Power? Control? But power and control over what? There were other things she could have done. As a child, Stephanie wanted to be a teacher, just a normal teacher. She was envious of Shane going to law school. She would have happily changed places with her brother… just to be… normal.

Another sigh escaped from Stephanie's lips as she stood and went back to the window. She figured she was on the backside of the building. The view was of the river and the more industrial side of Kansas City. She could see ordinary people, headed to their ordinary homes, leading an ordinary life. She wanted to be down there, stuck in traffic, trying to get home to fix dinner for her family. Stephanie didn't notice when the tear ran down her face and fell onto her silk shirt and spread like a small wave.

Roman and Shawn looked at their Rolex watches in perfect concert. It made Kofi laugh inwardly. He knew his lover, Big E would be worried, but there was nothing he could about it, so why fret.

"Shawn, what the fuck is going on?" Roman looked at his boss and mentor. The worry on his face marred his handsomeness.

"Roman, language please. Let's try to remain fucking professional." Shawn winked at Roman then continued. "I wish I knew. It can't be too much longer. If Hunter had been the one to let us go to the restroom, I would know more, by his eyes. Bret probably knew that. I am going to say what I think happened…" The elder lawyer went on to state his theory. Shawn prayed he was wrong.

At the police station, Randy spoke to his lawyer who had been allowed back into the room.

John Bradshaw Layfield looked at the paper Randal Keith Orton had just signed. "Are you one hundred percent sure?" He looked at Randy with doubt.

"Yes, I am. I will never run the company again. I did what I set out to do. I provided, quite well, for my family and their futures. Make sure you set up those bank accounts. I want them held in trust until the quads turn twenty-five. They will be ready to handle it by then. Their parents will raise them to not care about material things. Send that to Nakamura Pharmaceuticals as soon as possible." Randy spoke with utter authority. The authority of a business owner, not a Mafia crime boss.

Layfield put the paper in his briefcase and locked it firmly. "Alright, Randal. You're the boss. To be honest, I think you have done the right thing. It also means, they can't tear the company apart. You were very wise to keep OP totally legit. Want me to tell the Council?" He arched his brow at Randy.

"No, I'll do it. I get meals with some of them, once in a while. I can tell them without actually saying anything directly." Randy now spoke as the crime leader.

Everyone at Adam's had just sat down for an early supper. Adam had an online surgical nursing class later that evening. Jade finished saying the blessing when the doorbell rang. It made everyone jump. Dean went to see who was there.

"Surprise!" A small lady, of Island heritage said as she walked into the kitchen.

Seth's mouth fell open. "Aunt Ata!" He got up and hugged Roman's aunt with all the love he felt for her.

It took a while to make all the introductions, but eventually everyone settled in to eat. The quadruplets fell in love with Aunt Ata. Adam knew by that, Seth and the baby would be in very good hands.

"I had everything packed. So I thought, why wait. I left day before yesterday. I just couldn't stand the twins telling me what a mistake I was making, moving here. Roman has always been the only one to truly understand me. I am not a weak woman that needs to be taken care of. So, where is my nephew? Trapped in some courtroom?" Ata spoke firmly and took a giant bite of food. It made Jade laugh.

"As a matter of fact, we aren't exactly sure…" Seth went on to explain the day, and Roman. "..so it was probably some idiot with fireworks and they are on lockdown till they find the person, just to be sure. They are really on guard at the courthouse since a Judge was threatened last year. Better overly safe than sorry." Seth finished with a nod. It all made sense to him and he was going to go with it. It kept him from losing his shit.

"That makes sense, Seth. Thanks. Guys, I am so sorry I scared you." Megan spoke to the quads.

Jade, of course, was the one to speak. "It's okay, Meggie Pops. Love makes you do silly things."

Everyone laughed. Between the children and Ata's arrival, the atmosphere had lifted. The more Ata spoke, the more Ida and Nancy knew they had found their third partner in crime.

In a room at the Courthouse, Kevin Nash cursed himself. He realized he'd let his integrity fall to greed. He'd spent twenty years in the Army, in the special forces. When he retired, he wanted to be in law enforcement. He felt to old to spend time as a rookie officer, so high power security was the perfect choice.

When he'd been approached by a member of the McMahon family, to let something slide by, for a hundred grand, Kevin fell for it. He knew now, it was the worst mistake he'd made in his life. A man was dead, because he'd allowed a gun to enter into the courthouse. Life as he knew it, was over. He would soon be in prison.

Roman, Shawn and Kofi looked up when Hunter came into the room. "We can leave soon. I am so sorry about all of this, but when you find out what happened, you will understand." He went over and poured himself a desperately needed cup of coffee. He still couldn't get over what had happened.

At the police station, Randy was back in his holding cell. He'd been told nothing about why he'd been locked in the interrogation room, with no feed of the McMahon trial. There was something heavy in the air, he could feel it in his bones. With a shrug, Randy lay on his bunk with a sigh. He would find out eventually, when he needed to know and not until then. That was the life of a prisoner.

At the Ambrose house, everyone but Adam had gone to help unload the rental truck Ata had driven up from Florida. It gave Adam a chance to do his class in peace and quiet… almost too much peace and quiet.

Adam was not only taking the surgical nursing course, he was enrolled in business accounting and medical clerking. Those two classes were to help him run Dean's office. A private physician's practice was very different to running a ward in a hospital.

"Oh Seth dear, this attic is charming. I love it. I am going to be so happy here." Ata gave Seth a hug after set down a large, heavy box.

Seth beamed. "I hope so, Aunt Ata. I know you came to help when the baby comes, but you live your own life. Roman and I aren't like the others down in Florida. The last person that needs to be babied is you. You are one of the strongest, bravest people I know. I am so glad you are here." He returned Ata's hug.

Ata laughed. "My own life is doing what I want to do. What I want to do is take care of you, Roman and Tamati. Now, let's get you resting." She took Seth down to the living room and got Seth settled on the couch. Ata then went out to get more boxes.

Hunter finished telling Shawn, Rom and Kofi what had happened. The lawyers were shocked that such a thing could have happened. It was the last possible thing anyone thought could happen. It was also extremely sad.

A female police officer had escorted Stephanie McMahon to the restroom. She was frustrated that the officer wouldn't answer any questions.

"Stay here, Miss McMahon. Someone will be here shortly to speak to you." The officer closed and locked the door. Stephanie glared at the policewoman.

She was glad she was now in a larger room, that didn't smell of stale cigarettes and coffee. She went to the window. She was still on the backside of the building as she observed a large, cargo barge go down the river.

A few rooms down in the same hall, Shawn sent Kofi home. There was no point in him staying any longer.

"Roman, you can go too, but wait for us before you break the news. We are going to Adam's. I am sure Meg and Nancy are there." Shawn spoke to Roman in a more parental tone of voice.

Roman shook his head. "No, I'll wait. I could be needed here. Seth will understand, once he knows why. I still can't believe what happened."

"Thanks, Roman. I do appreciate it. I agree. This is really going to change things. Brie is asking Judge Lawler for a one week delay. We should find out soon." Shawn explained with a sigh.

Roman nodded. "That would be good. We will have to reconfigure everything. I don't think there have been many cases like this."

Shawn chuckled a bit. "You would be surprised, Roman. It has happened many times for various reasons. Guilt can drive people to do bad things."

"It sure can. Most murders are guilt driven. At least most… well never mind. He should be on his way." Hunter looked at his watch.

Stephanie turned to look when she heard the lock click. She waited for the door to open. When it did, she was surprise, her little brother walked into the room.

"Shane? What are you doing here? Better be careful. I don't want to be accused of trying to influence your testimony. I have enough on my plate to worry about." Stephanie spoke in a rather sarcastic tone of voice.

Shane sighed. "Steph, sit down. I have something to tell you. It's not about the trial. Please, sis." he pulled out a chair for his sister.

Stephanie could tell something had happened. She just wasn't sure what. She sat in the chair and waited for Shane to do the same.

Shane pulled out a chair and sat next to his sister. He didn't quite know how to start.

Stephanie scowled. "Just spit it out, Shane. For some damn reason, I've been locked up all day. I could have stayed in jail, at least then I could have gone to the bathroom." She was ready to get the hell out of the courthouse.

Shane reached over and gently took his sister's hands in his. "Steph, I don't know how to say this gently, so I will just say it. Father is dead. Steph...he … he shot himself." He held his sister's hands tighter when he felt the tremble.

Stephanie looked at her brother. "Shane… he did what? How? Father can't be dead…" She spoke like she was no older than Jade Ambrose.

Shane looked at his sister. "It was… so fast, Steph. He… told me he loved me, then he… he's gone… just gone." He spoke the truth. Shane himself was still in a bit of shock.

Sister looked at brother. "Shane? What's gonna happen? Daddy is…" She couldn't stop the rainfall of tears that fell.

Shane wrapped his sister in his arms and held her close. For the first time, he felt like a brother.