Shane McMahon watched with sadness as his sister, Stephanie was led out of the room in handcuffs. But, after all, she was still a criminal and still had to face her day in court.
"I will come see you, tomorrow, if I can. Sis, no matter what, I've always loved you. That will never change." Shane spoke as he followed Stephanie and the police down the hall. He needed to find Shawn and Hunter.
Stephanie stopped and turned to face her brother, tears still stained her cheeks. "I love you too, Shane. Okay, just… come when you can." She turned back around and walked down the hallway.
A Security Guard spoke to Shane. "This way please, Mister McMahon. The Helmsley's are waiting for you." He led Shane further down the hall. Stephanie had turned a corner and was now out of sight.
When the door of the room opened, Shawn stood and opened his arms. Shane fell into the parental embrace. Hunter got up and stood next to his husband, he placed a fatherly hand on the young law student's shoulder.
"Come on, son. Everyone is at Adam's. Do you want to go there or go home? It is up to you." Shawn spoke softly as he still held Shane close. Shane's body trembled.
Shane sniffed. "Take me to Meg, please. Just take me to Meg." He clung to Shawn like a toddler.
Hunter gave Shane a pat. "Okay son. She is at Adam's. She was very glad when we were finally able to call. Son, no one knows what happened. They only know there was an… incident and that you weren't hurt. Roman's Aunt Ata arrived early so we sent him home. He did say to tell you he was sorry, and that he will be there for you."
Shane finally let go of Shawn. "I'd like that. Roman is the older brother I never had. I… yeah… I need my crazy new family. Those little lions can always make me smile. Thanks for… just… everything."
Ida put a fresh pan of cornbread into the oven to bake. Nancy stirred the chili to warm it up. Grated cheese, onions and beans waited to be added if wanted. There was also plenty of left over lemon cake.
Megan came down to the stairs to the kitchen. "Not here yet?" She was extremely anxious to see Shane.
"Not yet, madame. Honey, remember, let Shane tell you what he wants. The best thing you can do is be there for him, no matter what. You are always his friend first, above all." Nancy spoke to Megan with the wisdom of her years.
Megan smiled at her friend, nurse, and teacher. "Thanks, Nancy. Always his friend first. I am relieved he wasn't hurt. Oh… lights! They are here!" She saw car lights briefly reflect in the kitchen window.
"I will go tell Dean they are here. Cornbread will be ready in fifteen minutes." Ida looked at the time, then went upstairs to speak to Dean. Adam was doing his online class in his office.
Megan went to the front door. She smiled at her parents and kissed them. Meg hugged her boyfriend when he entered the house. Shawn and Hunter went to the kitchen to give the young couple a bit of privacy.
Dean came downstairs and greeted Shawn and Hunter. "Hey guys. Adam will be down soon, he is in his medical accounting class. Come on, I am sure you are starving." He ushered the Helmsley's to the table.
"Shane babe, come eat. We can talk later or not, it is up to you. I'm here, whatever you need." Megan spoke softly. She could see the stress mixed with sadness on Shane's handsome face.
Shane gave Megan a kiss. "Sweetheart, you are simply the best. I am hungry, but… I'm not… sorry. Come on, your parents will worry." He took Megan by the hand and led her to the kitchen.
When the couple got to the kitchen, they joined the others at the table. Nancy dished up a small bowl of chili and set it down in front of Shane. She took the cornbread out of the oven and cut it. Nancy put the squares on a plate and served them. She grinned, no one on earth could make better cornbread than Ida Brown.
"Thank you for this. It has been a long day." Shawn spoke to Dean, who sat at the table and drank coffee.
Dean nodded. "Not a problem. If you can't help out your friends…" He paused when Adam came downstairs.
More greetings were exchanged. Adam then settled in at the table next to his husband "Ugh. I remember now how much I hate math." The nurse let out a deep sigh.
Megan laughed. "I will help you, Addy. I got an A plus in Calculus. James or Jan could help you too." She gave Adam a wink.
"I will take your help Meggie Pops. True, Jan and James got their math skills from Randy. Poor Jade and Jordan got my non math ability. I did take advanced Algebra in college, but would have failed miserably without Seth. Oh just wait till you meet Aunt Ata…" Adam went on to tell about Roman's aunt. He wanted to keep the atmosphere light. Adam knew Shane was deeply troubled about something.
Even though he was upset, Shane managed to eat two small bowls of chili and two pieces of cornbread. He passed on having any of the cake.
Shane finally spoke. "Um… Adam, Dean can we go to the den? You are all my family now, you need to know what happened. Okay? Shawn? Hunter?" He looked at the parental figures, brow arched.
It was Dean who spoke. "Whatever you want, Shane. Give us five minutes to tuck the little lions in. I'll have Roman come over too."
Soon everyone was settled in the family den. Adam, Dean and Roman were on the couch. Shawn sat on the floor between his husband's legs as Hunter sat in Ida's knitting chair. Shane sat on the floor next to Megan, who sat in the reading chair. The young couple held hands.
"Shane, Seth is sorry, but he was too tired. Auntie put him to bed." Roman spoke with a smile. Ata was already such a blessing.
Shane grinned with a nod. "It's fine, Roman. This would probably stress him too much. Adam, I am worried about you as well. If you want to go to bed, it is perfectly fine with me. Honestly."
"Shane, it will be alright. I honestly think this baby does better when I am under stress. This little one has been under stress almost since conception. I promise, if I feel it too much, I will leave. You just say what you want and need to say. We are all here for you. Shane, without your courage and actions… just… thank you." Adam spoke with deep sincerity.
Shane ducked his head. "Thanks, Adam. I did what I thought was right. Anyway, I will just say it. My father… killed himself today… while standing in front of me. I… don't know why. He… told me he loved me, then the next thing I knew, he'd blown a hole in his heart. The EMT said he was gone before he hit the ground. I guess, after that, they locked down the courthouse until they figured out how he managed to get a gun into the building. So, my father is dead, my sister is… Hunter, they will look after her, won't they? I could tell she was close to going into shock." He looked at Hunter with lines of deep worry on his face.
Hunter leaned forward so he could look Shane directly in the eye. "I promise, son. Chief Hart is personally taking care of her. She isn't alone and if she needs medical or mental help, she will get it. We are working to make sure you will be able to visit her, hopefully tomorrow. The same goes for you, son. If you need help, we are all here for you. Shawn and I will do or get whatever you need." He ended with a firm nod.
"Thank you so much. I'm worried about Steph. Whatever else, she is my sister and I love her. I loved my father… but…" Shane let his words fade. It was what it was and nothing he said or did could ever change it.
Megan leaned forward and hugged her boyfriend. "Of course you loved him. Yeah, he did things, but family love is family love. If dad says your sister will be looked after, she will be. I promise."
Shane looked up at Megan. "You're the best. I believe your dad." He held Megan's hand tightly, and she held his just as firm.
Shawn and Hunter looked at each other. Any worries they had about Megan and Shane vanished. They knew they had nothing to fear. Secretly they thought, many years in the future, Shane would make the perfect son-in-law.
Dean spoke. "I don't recommend it, Shane, however, I can give you a light sedative later. It would help you sleep. It is totally up to you." Dean spoke as a physician, he too worried about the young law student.
Shane shook his head. "Thanks, Doctor, but no. I don't want to go down that path, ever. I may not sleep well right now, but you college graduates know what that's like. I can't explain how I feel very well. I am upset he took that way out. I thought Vince McMahon was stronger than that. I'm sorry my father is dead, but let's be totally honest. He wasn't much of a father to me. I feel worse about Steph. Her world rose and set on father… and their business. My only hope and prayer is, that somehow, father and mom are together again. Mom will kick his ass. Maybe it will hit me later, but right now, I just feel a bit… numb, I guess, is the best way to put it." He gave a shrug.
Meagan again leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Shane's shoulders. "You feel how you feel. Nothing wrong with that. What's normal anyway? Shane, from everything you've told me about Stephanie, she will be alright. She has to handle it her way, you can't change that. All you can do is be there when she needs you. I am also sure your mom is looking after your dad. Shane, babe, look over there…" She paused and gently turned Shane's head, so he could clearly see Shawn and Hunter.
"They are your parents now… well no… that would be weird. More like your in-laws. Oh, you know what I mean. The people in this room are your family, your real family. We will get through all these trials, tribulations and lamentations together. Every single step of the way. We all love you, and I love you most of all." Megan kissed the top of Shane's head.
Hunter guffawed. "Let's hold off on the in-law word, at least until Megan is thirty…" Everyone laughed at the serious look on the Detective's face. Only Shawn and Adam caught the humor in Hunter's eyes.
"Daddy! Tell dad he is being a poppa bear again!" Megan laughed. That made Shane laugh.
Stephanie McMahon had been taken to the holding cells at Chief Bret Hart's precinct station. He felt it would be better and calmer than the overcrowded county lockup. Bret had William Regal, the departmental psychologist on speed dial.
Federal Agent, Kenny Omega sat in the cell with Stephanie. He was there as support, not law enforcement. Jason Hart, knew Kenny had a way with people.
Stephanie sat, head down, hands in her lap. "Would it be… yeah it would, never mind." Her voice was so childlike compared to her usual commanding tone.
Kenny knew this was the real Stephanie McMahon. He also knew he had to tread carefully, the woman before him was on a ledge. He had to keep her from continuing to follow her father's footsteps.
"What, Stephanie? You can say anything, nothing is on record. There is no audio or video. We only want to be here for you." Kenny spoke softly and with true sincerity.
The crime boss looked at Omega. She could see the honesty written on his face. "I… fuck… I'm starving. Could I have three piece, all white meat meal from KFC? It was our secret indulgence. Father and I loved to get KFC and watch old movies…" She let her words fade. Stephanie felt… so stupid.
Kenny grinned. "Sure, no problem. I love Taco Bell and Netflix. I'll go tell Jason." He stood and called out for Jason to come to the cell.
At the county lockup, Randal Orton spoke to his cellmate, his father. "… so, then he shot himself in the heart. McMahon is dead." Randy finished telling Bob what had happened at the courthouse.
Bob Orton laughed. "Always knew that fucker was a chicken shit. Took the cowards way out. Well, may he rot in hell." He laid back on his bunk.
Randy shook his head. "Don't you have any human compassion? Any empathy? Okay, in business McMahon was a fucking bastard, but, he was a human being. Stephanie and Shane have lost their father, in the worst way possible. They deserve a bit of… sympathy." Sometimes, Randy couldn't believe he was even related to Robert Orton, let alone be his son. Randy truly felt bad for Stephanie and Shane.
Again Bob scoffed. "That's the kind of fucking shit that makes you weak, Randal. I mean, of course you're weak, you gave my grandchildren away like used garbage…" Bob was halted when Randy's left fist connected with his nose. Bob felt his nose shatter, before he heard the crunch of bone.
Randal Keith Orton didn't flinch when he smashed his fist into his father's face for the second, then third time. The jail guards were just able to prevent a fourth blow. Once Randy felt hands on his body, he began to breathe.
The guards knew about Orton's Intermittent Explosive Disorder, so they remained calm. It was not their first time dealing with an inmate who suffered with IED. They had to get Randy isolated for the moment.
"Okay, Mister Orton, take a breath. When you're ready, come with us." The head guard spoke softly.
Bob Orton was nearly unconscious as the lockup medical team arrived. They could handle most wounds, and treat them well. It was always a huge issue if they had to take an inmate to the hospital. They gently lifted Bob onto a stretcher. When he was settled, they took him to the medical unit.
"I think he can stay here, now they are separated. Less stressful." The head guard spoke to his colleague. The other guard nodded in agreement.
"Mister Orton, have a seat and breathe in…" The head guard paused, Randy inhaled. A good sign he was calming down.
After around ten minutes of breathing, Randy was back to near normal. The head guard patiently sat with him. He'd learned over the years, a little bit of humanity and kindness went a long way in a jail cell.
"I… he… no fucking compassion… not weak… he has no idea how hard it was… but it was best for them…" Randy was a bit incoherent, but the guard understood. He'd read and studied Randy's file. He knew the man had given away his parental rights.
"I agree with you. You did what you thought was the best for your children. It was not only a selfless thing to do, it was a very brave thing to do. Not sure I would have had the courage to do it. I take it your dad was pretty shitty about McMahon?" The head guard knew the more Randy talked, the better. He had the time to listen, so why not.
Randy guffawed. "You got that right. I may have… hated McMahon for things he'd done to my faction over the years, but… to off himself? Tells me he had some real issues. That deserves compassion, especially for Stephanie and Shane. By the way, thanks for saying that about the quadruplets. It was like cutting my heart out of my chest. Maybe if Adam wasn't their daddy, I wouldn't have done it but…" The head guard just listened as Randy opened up and spoke.
In the medical unit, the paramedic on duty examined Bob Orton's nose. He made a "tisking" sound. "He will have to go to County to get an X-Ray. He's optical bones could be broken, that needs a doctor."
"Alright, I will make the arrangements. We will take him to Saint Luke's. It is closer and he can afford it. He's too high risk for County, too many people." The guard that helped carry Bob, spoke. He went off to make the necessary phone calls and arrangements.
At the Ambrose house, Dean locked up for the night. Shane and the Helmsley's had just left. Roman had earlier gone home to Seth. As he turned out the last light, Dean sighed. It had been one hell of a day and evening.
Adam smiled when Dean came into the bedroom. He watched with lust filled eyes as his husband stripped naked, then joined him in the bed.
"You know the best cure for a bad day? Your dick in my ass… now, please!" Adam spoke in a lust filled voice.
Dean growled. "Best idea I have heard all day." He pulled Adam in for a searing kiss.
When the kiss broke, Adam turned on his side, so his back was against Dean's chest. It was more comfortable in that position with his baby belly.
Adam let out a low groan of pleasure when Dean's right hand gripped his cock, as the first two fingers of his left hand began to work to loosen Adam's hole. Adam nearly melted into the bed when Dean's mouth began to feast on the back of his neck and shoulders. He was in full sexual bliss. It had been a while since they had last made love.
Shawn and Hunter lay in their bed, wrapped in each other's arms. They were content to just be together, their minds were on Shane.
"He is going to crash and crash hard. You can't be alright at having seen what Shane saw. I feel guilty, I helped fight for Vince to be able to see Shane. I can win cases in court, but… I am such a fuck up outside the courtroom." Shawn lamented with voice filled with sadness.
Hunter pulled his husband closer. "You're not a fuck up, baby. You're the one that holds us all together. You can't be a fuck up and do that. Honey, no one could have known what McMahon was going to do…" He kissed Shawn's cheek and held him tighter.
Hunter continued. "I think you're right about Shane. All we can do is be here for him and get him help when he needs it. Don't forget, he grew up around death and destruction. His mind set is different. No, he didn't live the daily life of it like Stephanie but, he knew what she and Vince were about. It says a lot about his character that he went against them. I am so proud of Meg. Shane is in very good hands."
Shawn nuzzled his cheek against Hunter's chest. "Thanks, babe. You always know how to lift me up. I do know Shane was raised… colder, I guess. Still, he will fall apart. Yes, I keep having to remember, Meg is sixteen not six. I'm glad she never found out about the puppy. So sad it got sick and died. The shelter said they would call if another one comes in." The puppy Megan was supposed to get for Christmas, had gotten parvovirus and had to be put to sleep. Meg had never known.
Adam felt like a blissed nymph as Dean held him in his arms. "Oh my love, no one has ever made me feel the way you do. I'm the luckiest husband in the world." He kissed Dean's muscular chest.
Dean laughed softly and held Adam closer. "You're so beautiful. You bring out the best in me. You know, I am proud of Shane for not wanting a sedative. It must have been terrible for him to see that… up close."
"I can't even begin to imagine it. I'm so glad he has Shawn and Hunter. Also, he and Megan make a cute couple. For Hunter to agree to that is a huge deal. He swore she wouldn't date till she was married. Maybe you and Roman can help him. He comes to workout with you two." Adam spoke through a yawn.
Dean held onto his husband. "Yeah, he does. We will, baby. He and Roman are super close. The law school connection. Now, my babies need sleep. I love you, husband." He gave Adam a loved filled kiss.
"I love you, husband. Goodnight." Adam returned Dean's kiss. It didn't take long for them to join up in dreamland.
Shane sat on the seat of the bay window in the living room of the Helmsley house. He couldn't sleep. All he could see when he closed his eyes was the expression on his father's face as the bullet ripped his heart apart. He watched the life drain from his father's face, and fade in his eyes. There hadn't been much blood.
What confused Shane the most was his father's words. "Shane, son. I just want to say one thing. I also want you to do what you have to do. One has nothing to do with the other… Shane, no matter what, I do love you."
Shane smiled when he felt Megan's kiss to the top of his head. He moved so she could sit next to him. "I have sat here many times myself. Sometimes till sunrise. I worried about how stressed my folks were, because of my stupid diabetes and heart issues. Babe, it's okay to be feeling whatever you're feeling." She laid her head on Shane's shoulder.
Shane wrapped his arms around his girl. "Thanks, sweetheart. You are just so wonderful. A spicy temper, but I like a bit of spice. Means you won't take my crap. You still want to go to law school?" He looked at Megan with adoration.
Megan giggled softly. "Yeah, I do. Don't tell dad or daddy yet. I want to be able to help you be a voice for the voiceless. I want to help children like I was. Sometimes, they need a lawyer behind them. I know there were times daddy did legal things to help me. Babe, are you really alright? You can let it go, I would never judge you for it." She looked at Shane with all the adoration she felt for him.
Shane looked at Megan. All of a sudden, he burst into a flood of tears. He sobbed for his father, not because he was dead, but because of all the hurt and pain he'd caused when he was alive. Megan held Shane and cried because of his pain.
Hunter and Shawn silently went back to bed. They had heard Megan leave her room. They wanted to make sure she was alright. They knew their daughter was safe and Shane was getting the relief he so desperately needed.
Randy Orton laid in his bunk, alone. The head guard had told him Bob was at Saint Luke's with a fractured nose, and cracked orbital bone. Randy felt not one ounce of guilt. As a matter of fact, it had felt good to finally shut his father up. The only thing that bothered him was his own hand hurt. Oh well, it was worth it.
Randy also knew he was lucky not to be in isolation. The head guard had an understanding of IED and how it worked. He'd actually enjoyed talking to the man. Randy also knew he faced charges for criminal battery. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was just a hiccup, but one that had been worth it.
Stephanie McMahon was still in a cell at the police station. She lay awake in her bunk. Pictures of her childhood with Vince ran through her mind. One thing became very clear, Shane was never in the memory. Birthday parties, Easter Egg Hunts, Thanksgiving, Christmas… no Shane. She understood her brother now.
"It's okay, Shane. I would have hated him and ratted on him too if I were you." Stephanie muttered to herself. She eventually managed to drift off to sleep.
The other members of the two factions had been told about Vince McMahon. The Orton faction could have cared less. The McMahon faction was in shock. They wanted to see Stephanie but hadn't been allowed. There was absolutely nothing any of them could do about it.
At breakfast the following morning, Shane spoke to Shawn. "Do you think I can see Stephanie today?" He knew the lawyer would have the pull to do it.
Shawn wiped his mouth with his napkin, chewed, swallowed then spoke. "I will do my best, son. She is at Hunter's station. Bret thought it would be quieter for her. Shane, I hate to ask, but did your father make any… well, funeral plans?" It was a hard question to ask.
"I honestly don't know. Stephanie or Michael Cole would know that more than I. I'm sure he wants to be with mom in the family vault." Shane spoke matter-of-fact. He had no answer.
Shawn smiled at Shane. "Sorry I asked, but I thought you might have known. I am not the most tactful person at times. Did you have a good workout with Dean and Roman?" He changed the subject.
Shane grinned. "Yeah, I did. Boy Aunt Ata nearly put us to shame. She pounded out a hundred sit ups before we did fifty. Oh um… is it okay if Megan joins us tomorrow? Ata said she knows an easy workout she could do." He knew Megan wanted to do more, but was always afraid to ask.
Shawn started to protest, but Hunter stopped him. "Let us speak to Dean first. I know you feel so much better since the pump, but honey, you still have to watch your heart. But, a bit of exercise might be alright. If Dean says no, then it's no. Is that fair, Meggie?" He looked at his daughter, with "that" parental look.
"More than fair, dad. Thanks. I think it would help with my riding too. Build up a bit more leg and arm strength. What Dean says goes, no argument." Megan grinned. Dean had already said it would be alright, after Ata explained the workout. But, Megan kept that part secret.
Megan then spoke to Shane. "I won't stay at the stables too long today. Just a light workout for Champion. I'll be here, working on my history paper with Thom. We have a Zoom meeting at one, but if you need me, I can change it." She wanted Shane to know she would be there for him, no matter what.
"I have classwork to do, until I can see Steph. So, sounds good. Sorry I can't take you to the stables." Shane smiled at his girl.
Down the street at the Ambrose house, things were their usual chaos. "Ida, the workmen will be here today to start on the playroom. Seth said to send the kids over to their place. Ata will keep them out of the way. It should only take them three or four days." Adam spoke to the housekeeper. Dean had taken the quads upstairs to get ready to go next door.
Over at the Reigns', Ata washed up the breakfast dishes. "I am going to enjoy having the children here. Is there anything I need to know about?" She asked Seth who sat at the tale. Roman had gone upstairs to get dressed for work.
Seth laughed. "Jade can get rather loud, but not in a mean way. She just gets excited. James on the other hand, can be too quiet. However, he is very aware of everything. Jordan wants to pain the world pink, and Jan is a mix of all of them. They are fantastic children. Adam and Dean are wonderful parents. So was Randy if the truth be told. Just call Ida if you need any help." As Seth finished, Roman came back downstairs.
"I'm off. I love you two. Seth, please don't over do. Auntie have fun." Roman kissed Seth then his aunt.
"I won't, babe. Love you." Seth blew Roman a kiss as the lawyer left for the day.
A couple of hours later, Shawn and Roman met with the Bella twins and Michael Cole in a conference room at the Jackson County Courthouse. Vince McMahon had created a problem.
Brie Bella spoke. "We have no issue with Shane spending time with his sister. We need to figure out what to do about her trial. It would almost be cruel to do it now. Nikki and I thought about moving Bálor and Barrett up and pushing Stephanie back. How long would you need to make that change, Mister Cole?" Brie knew things had to continue. It would cost taxpayers a lot if they delayed for too long.
"Two days. I will need the time to get the reports from my paralegals. I'll also have to speak to Misters Bálor and Barrett. Did you hear about Bob Orton?" Michael arched his brow.
When everyone said no, Cole went on to tell what Randy had done to his father. "… so, Orton is in Saint Luke's Hospital for surgery to repair the damage." Michael finished with a shrug.
Shawn sighed. "I should be shocked but, I'm actually surprised it hadn't happened sooner. IED isn't an excuse, but Randal does suffer with it." He felt bad for Randy.
Brie Bella nodded and held a paper in her hand. "Yes, we got this report from Dallas Page. He has a lot of experience dealing with inmates who have IED. He sat down and let Randy grunt and grumble. Mister Page suggests That Bob Orton should go to the lock up at Clay County. We have an arrangement with them on things like this. I will approve it. We will have to take two of theirs, but that is not an issue. Shawn, I do have a special request. Randal has asked for a ten minute visit with Adam and Dean Ambrose. Since you know the Ambrose's, I will leave it to you to present the request. We don't have to grant it. Well, gentlemen, that's all for now. Mister Cole, we will speak to Judge Lawler, be prepared to go back to court on Thursday. I may be able to hold off till Monday, but don't count on it. You know the Judge." She tapped the stack of papers on the table to neaten them.
Twenty minutes later, Roman and Shawn sat at the smaller conference table in Shawn's office at Helmsley and Associates. Neat stacks of papers covered the surface of the table.
"Are you going to tell Adam and Dean that Randy wants to see them?" Roman asked, brow highly arched.
Shawn looked at the "PERMISSION TO VISIT" paper, Brie Bella had given him. "I have to, Roman. You know this. I will leave it up to them. I just wish I knew why, so I could give them the reason. I can request that Mister Page be there. Dallas does have a way with people with anger issues, and he is a damn fine guard. Let's take Dean, Adam and Seth to lunch. You keep Seth occupied, he doesn't need the stress… take him to another café?"
"No problem. Seth loves it when I surprise him for lunch. We'd better call now though, only an hour till lunch time." Roman gave Shawn an nod and picked up his cell phone.
Shane sat across the table from his sister. He'd gone to the station on his own, he had to try to see Stephanie. Chief Bret Hart agreed. Bret arranged for them to be in an more private interrogation room. Shane had brought KFC for their lunch."
Stephanie licked her fingers, then spoke. "Thanks for this, Shane. You know me better than I thought."
"Yeah. Sis… did he… never mind." Shane didn't want to start anything, he just wanted to be there for his sister.
Stephanie sighed. "Yes, he wants to be with mom in the vault. Shane… he loved you, very much. I will tell you what he told me, just before…" She went on to tell her brother about the talk she and Vince had. Shane needed to know.
"… Shane, I honestly think he was afraid of you… no, not you… but in seeing her disappointment in your eyes. If he didn't look at you, he didn't have to deal with the pain of losing mom. It was a shitty, fucked up thing for him to do. I should have stood up for you, instead of agreeing with him. Shane, I am sincerely sorry I wasn't a better sister. I've reached a decision. Shane, you won't have to testify against me. You've been through enough because of myself and father. I am going to plead guilty to all charges and throw myself on the mercy of the court. I am tired, Shane. I don't want to do what father did, but, I understand it. Shane, go live your life. Become the best lawyer you can. Get married, have a family. I love you very much, but after today, I never want to see you again. Not out of spite, brother, but out of love. Forget everything the name McMahon once stood for and bring it respect." Stephanie, for the first time in her life, spoke from her very heart.
Brother and sister stood. "I love you, sis. I will never turn my back on you." He hugged his sister.
Stephanie stepped back from her brother. "I love you… then I will. Go Shane, live your life. Make us proud."
Shane felt his heart crack a bit. Stephanie had turned her back to him. The young law student knew, there was no time for lamentations, it was time to live.