Disclaimers: I own nothing or anyone associated or affiliated with TNA. I own only the original characters. This is just a fictional story that came from my imagination.
Chapter Content & Trigger Warnings: None this chapter

Chapter 24

"I'm telling you Jeff, we need to get back to the house. Pronto," Joe growled. "Step on it."

"I'm going as fast as I can without killing us, Joe," Jeff replied, though he did press down harder on the gas pedal. "You sure you're okay, Dixie," he asked, glancing at his business partner in the rear-view mirror.

The woman nodded dazedly. "Yes, I'm fine, just a little dizzy. I don't know what they gave me, but that was a real trip. Thank you both for finding a way to come get me. I was so-" She cut off her words as the three noticed a large fire on the bridge ahead of them. Cops were everywhere, and so was the media. Cameras flashed and video cameras filmed the horrific sight before them.

"Oh, God…" Joe uttered. "Jeff…"

"I see it, Joe. Calm down."

Jeff slowed the car down when he noticed a police officer directing him to pass slowly.

Just as they passed the fire and wreckage, Joe saw one of the Jarrett's vehicles parked nearby, and instantly his dark gaze shot back to the fire and officers crowded around it, searching the area.

Very soon, he spotted AJ.

"JEFF! STOP THE CAR!"

Immediately, the vehicle came to a sudden stop. "Joe, what's going on?"

"AJ's here," Joe shouted, all but jumping out of the car. He hurried over to his friend, and immediately grabbed hold of his shoulder. "AJ! Where is Ella? Where's my wife? What are you doing here?" Joe found himself rattling off questions, not giving AJ a chance to answer. Perhaps because he was afraid of the answers.

The moonlight hit AJ's face as the southerner turned to him, and Joe instantly saw the tears on his face. He felt as if the wind was knocked out of him. He couldn't breathe. God, please… No… "AJ," he spoke again, "Where is Ella?"

He glanced over and saw Jeff speaking with some officers, when he finally heard AJ's voice.

"I'm…I-I'm so sorry, Joe. She…She'd made plans…to leave. She hit me over the head. When I woke up she was gone. I got outside…and she…she was riding away on one of Jeff's motorcycles…"

"NO!"

Joe turned back to see Jeff shouting in pain. The older man dove toward the bridge's railing, only to be caught and held back by two of the officers.

"There's nothing you can do, sir," Joe heard one of them say as some of the video cameras turned and caught Jeff's anguish on film. The cop's words reverberated in his head. His mind instantly went into denial. What do they mean, he wondered. His gaze shot back to AJ then. "AJ… Where. Is. My. Wife? I'm going to kill you, if you don't tell me."

AJ swallowed hard, and couldn't meet Joe's blazing eyes.

"I'm sorry, Joe. She… She crashed into the bridge. The cops think she…went over the railing and into the river. They've not been able to find her body yet…"

For a moment, AJ didn't think Joe had heard a word he said. But then a few seconds later, he watched as his friend's nose snarled slightly.

An explosion of expletives flooded from Joe's mouth. Enraged and screaming, he lunged at AJ and grabbed his throat in a death grip and took him to the ground. He was oblivious to the flashing lights of the cameras going off in his face as he choked his friend. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! WHY DID YOU LET HER LEAVE?!"

"Joe…" AJ choked out, trying to pry Joe's hands loose. "So… s-sorry…"

About that time, three officers and Jeff had hold of Joe and pulled him off AJ. "Calm down, son," an officer said softly. "This isn't going to bring her back."

"You killed her," Joe continued to scream at AJ. "This is all your fault!" Then the realization that Ella was gone from his life hit him. "Oh, my God…" he sank to his knees and gasped for air. "Oh, God… Ella… No…" He broke down into heart-wrenching sobs then, and he felt Jeff's arms go around him. "ELLA!…"

Joe's cries died down to soft murmurs. He sobbed Ella's name over and over, while Jeff tried in vain to comfort him.

Jeff felt a hand touch his shoulder then, and glanced up to see Dixie standing beside him. "Is there anything I can do, Jeff? I'm so sorry."

Tears also glistened on her face and Jeff could see she felt partly responsible for Ella's demise.

"This isn't your fault, Dixie," he said, rising to his feet. "Not at all—so don't feel bad." He rubbed the back of his neck. He looked down at Joe and felt tears burn his eyes all over again. He'd never seen his friend look so helpless. "Here's what we're gonna do," he said softly. "AJ, you're going to take Dixie to mine and Nina's hotel room. Take her in the car you drove down here. When we get through here, I'll come back with Joe and get him and Dixie a room each. Okay?"

AJ nodded wordlessly, unable to meet Jeff's eyes.

"Come here, son," Jeff said, pulling AJ into a hug. "I don't blame you, okay," he whispered. "I know you did everything you could."

He felt AJ break down then, and the young wrestler latched on to Jeff tightly. "Oh, God, how do I handle this," he cried. "She died while on my watch. How can I live with that, Jeff?"

"She died because of Fournier, AJ. He may not have murdered her, but he is the cause of her death. None of this is on you. Or you," he added, shifting his gaze to Dixie. "Give Joe time, AJ," Jeff whispered, patting his back. "He's in shock right now."

"So are you," Dixie said, rubbing Jeff's back. "You're entirely too calm. Are you sure you should drive back with Joe by yourself?"

"I'll be fine, Dixie. Don't worry."

It's Joe I'm worried about, Jeff thought, eyeing Joe sitting silently on the ground. He wasn't saying a word. He wasn't even crying fresh tears. He was just staring straight ahead, with no expression on his face at all.

As AJ led Dixie to the car he'd driven, Jeff flagged down a paramedic to check Joe over and make sure he didn't need to be medicated for shock.

}i{}i{}i{}i{

Ella turned over in the bed she was in and finally opened her eyes. Her gaze focused on the alarm clock on the motel room's night stand.

Nine o'clock, she thought numbly. I should get up and dressed. I need to get to the safety deposit box as soon as possible.

She didn't know why she cared. She wondered why she didn't just let the motorcycle carry her to her end. The way she felt, she was sure that death would be much easier than the life she had waiting on her.

Without Joe…

She looked down at her ringless left finger, and felt tears burn her eyes once again. "My husband," she whispered. I wonder how long it will be before he moves on and remarries.

Abruptly, she shook her head of her thoughts. "No time for that," she thought out loud. "Got to stay focused."

With that, she stood to her feet and began to get ready to head to the bank.

Twenty minutes later, Ella headed up the concrete steps to the bank that her parent's used. She wore denim jeans and a hoodie to help conceal her face till she got inside the building. Underneath the hoodie, she wore her red wig.

Committing to memory the name of the man her father had instructed her to see, she entered the bank, pulling her hood down, careful to keep her wig in place. Walking through the main lobby, she got on the elevator and rode to the third floor. Once the elevator dinged and the doors opened, she stepped off and approached a bunch of offices.

"Miss, may I help you," a female clerk asked.

"Yes, I…I need to see Phillip McCane."

"Right this way."

Ella followed the woman down a hallway and entered the office the woman directed her to. "Mr. McCane, this young lady would like to see you."

"Thank you, Sue," the older man said politely. He shifted his gaze to Ella's face, and he froze for an instant. When the clerk left the office, he directed Ella to sit down as he stood and went around the office to his door. Closing it, he turned his attention back to Ella.

"I know what this is about," he said gently. "I heard you died, on the news this morning."

Ella nodded, "I had to fake my death…to protect my remaining loved ones. You say you know what this is about… Please, sir… Please keep this quiet. Not for me, but for my family. He'll kill them trying to find me."

Phillip nodded. "You have my word. Your father was a close friend of mine. He asked the same thing of me. And as I told him, I'll tell you. I will take this to my grave."

Ella nodded. "Thank you."

"I'd told your father you would need identification and their death certificates and what not. But…I'm going to forget about that. I have kept the money you inherited from them in a safe of my own in here." He began fiddling with something underneath his desk. "I figured if this really did need to stay a secret, then there should be no record of it in the computer system or the files. I didn't think—when everything was all said and done—that your parents would mind my holding onto the funds for you for safekeeping myself."

Ella nodded again, and fought the urge to cry. "Thank you so much."

Phillip set a briefcase on his desk. "I assume you want the money in your pack," he asked, eyeing her backpack.

"Yes," she answered. "I think it'd look more inconspicuous than a briefcase."

Within mere minutes, Ella was heading back out of the bank and riding back to her motel room in a taxi.

Once she entered her room, she clicked the television on, and began packing up her few belongings. The next step in her agenda was to get to the travel agency and book a flight to Seattle. She had no ties there, and had never mentioned wanting to visit there in her life.

It's as safe a choice as any, she thought, zipping up her bag. Her name being said on the television got her attention then. She watched as a female reporter announced her death.

As reported earlier, it has been confirmed that Ella Roberts of Memphis, Tennessee died in a tragic accident early this morning.

Ella Roberts was attacked only a couple months ago when she witnessed her parents' murders. The motive behind the murders was apparently a kidnapping scheme. However, that scheme became even more horrendous when the girl was shot twice and beaten severely. She was found in some woods on her uncle's property, and then taken to the hospital where she remained for nearly a month, recovering from injuries, various surgeries and even a coma.

She was later attacked again in another kidnapping attempt, but was somehow able to evade capture.

Ella Roberts was married only yesterday, on Valentine's Day. Sadly, she's passed away the morning after her wedding when she lost control of her motorcycle and drove off Shelby Street Bridge. The authorities have ruled her death an accident.

Ella watched as the news feed cut to footage of the bridge the night before. She couldn't believe how frightening the scene really appeared upon her first actual sight of it.

To her horror she watched as AJ pulled up in her uncle's car and began frantically questioning the cops as to what had happened. As if things could not be worse for her, she then saw Joe enter the frame, demanding AJ to tell him where she was. It was only a few seconds when she heard her uncle scream.

Her hand shot to her mouth. She'd never heard her uncle sound so hurt and frightened. She knew she should turn off the television, but she was frozen in place. In another second, she heard Joe's pained roar followed by some censored curses. She watched in disbelief as Joe lunged at AJ and began choking him.

Finally, Ella was able to move, and she snapped the television off.

"Oh, my God…" she uttered. "I caused that. I made Joe hate AJ…" She covered her face with her hands. "But what else could I do," she demanded out loud. "They were going to die, one by one, if I didn't do something!"

Knowing she should eat, but sick to her stomach, she picked up the phone and called the travel agency, ordering a plane ticket for the next flight out to Seattle.

}i{}i{}i{}i{

Later that morning, Jeff pulled in behind the police cars which filled his driveway, and killed the car. He looked over at Joe sitting in the passenger seat. The Samoan had not said more than five words since the accident earlier that morning. And now, he simply sat quietly, looking down at his hands and spinning his wedding band around on his finger.

Jeff glanced back at AJ then, and saw the sadness that filled the young man's blue eyes. "Are y'all ready to go inside," he asked the two.

AJ nodded, while Joe's answer was to wordlessly open the car door and climb out. Jeff and AJ followed suit and headed to the front door. It already stood wide open and policemen milled about the large mansion, rifling through the Jarrett's belongings.

Jeff hurriedly approached detectives Smith and Yandell then.

"Was he here," he asked. "Had Fournier come for Ella?"

Detective Smith nodded, "I'm afraid so. I can't say whether it was Fournier, or not…but either he came for her, or he sent someone to grab her. Either way, his intentions were the same. The door was forced open, and every room was ransacked before we got here." The detective pulled some folded papers from his jacket's inner pocket. "We found these letters to you both, from Ella," he indicated Jeff and Joe. "They were already ripped into. We made you copies of them. We need the originals for now, in case they contain any evidence on them. You'll get them back after they have been thoroughly examined."

Joe practically snatched the letter from Detective Smith's hand.

"Are you guys almost done here," Jeff asked.

The detective nodded, "Yes, they're just finishing up here in the foyer," he answered. "We've already checked the upstairs rooms for evidence. So you're able to go up and look around if you want. We'll be out of here in another few minutes. We're sorry about the mess and damages."

Jeff waved it off, "I'd gladly deal with all the mess if it would bring…" he trailed off, mindful that Joe was staring down at his letter. "If it would make everything as it was before all this."

Joe started for the staircase, obviously wanting to be away from mentions of Ella, and to read his letter in private. However, he was momentarily stopped by Detective Yandell, who placed his hand on Joe's shoulder. "Wait, son…" he said gently. He reached into his slacks pocket and pulled out a couple of rings. "These were found in Ella's bedroom. I assume they are her wedding rings. And if they are, they should go back to you now. I'm very sorry for your loss." He reached out and placed the jewelry in Joe's hand.

The large Pacific Islander looked down at the small rings in his hand, and simply stared at them for a long moment. His black eyes welled with tears, and then he headed for the stairs.

"Poor kid," Detective Smith said under his breath as he watched Joe climb the stairs. "So young to go through so much." He turned to Jeff then. "We're both really sorry about Ella. She was a beautiful young woman, and very courageous."

Jeff felt tears burn his eyes at the description Smith had given of Ella. "Yes, she was. And she was very loving, and kind-hearted. She must've been so scared...doing what she did just to protect us." He choked back a sob as he thought on all the pain she'd gone through before her young life abruptly ended.

"We promise to keep this case from being forgotten. We will never stop looking for Fournier," Smith said, indicating both he and his partner. "This psycho will be caught if we have anything to say about it."

"I hope he will be," Jeff said. He glanced toward the stairs. For Joe's sake, as well as mine.

}i{}i{}i{}i{

Up in Ella's bedroom, Joe sat on the bed remembering his and Ella's last night together. He picked up a red rose petal from the honeymoon decorations, and brushed his finger over the soft, velvety texture. Then, taking a deep breath, he unfolded the letter Ella left for him, and began to read:

Joe—lo'u alofa,

I know there's nothing I can say to make you feel better about this. I'm so sorry. You don't know how sorry I truly am. I wanted us to be together forever, but it just can't happen. I had to leave—in exchange for your safety. If you don't know where I am or how to find me, then Fournier will have no reason to harm you or any of my loved ones.

I can't apologize enough, but I know one day, you'll meet someone else, and in time, be able to move on. And I hope you do, Joe. You have so much love to give. Don't waste it. Please, forget me, Joe. I love you more than anything, and I always will. I will never know where I gained the nerve to leave you. I just had to. I can't be selfish where your safety is concerned. I'd rather know you're alive and well, and accept that you may hate me and my memory now, than to see you killed and know you loved me. I love you that much—enough to sacrifice the love you felt for me in exchange for your safety.

I will love you always.

Forever in my heart, I am Ella Seanoa

Joe swallowed back some tears as he re-read the letter.

"Oh, God, Ella… You foolish woman," Joe thought out loud. "I could never forget you. I can never move on—love someone else. And I wouldn't even want to try."

}i{}i{}i{}i{

"That lying little dévergondée!"

Jacques Fournier flung his glass of scotch across his study. The crystal shattered against the wall, showering his parquet floor with shards of glass, ice and amber liquid.

He was already furious that Ella had apparently become privy to his plan the night before. However, now he was livid after hearing on the news that she'd died in an attempt to escape him. He did not know whether to believe she had indeed died, or if she had somehow managed to outsmart him. He was not happy in the least at the idea of an eighteen-year-old fooling him.

Growing even angrier, he grabbed his cell phone and began going through his contacts. Selecting the cell number of the person he would need, he punched the 'Call' button.

Seconds later, a male voice answered. "Yes?"

"I need your help. Take some notes. I want you to keep an eye on a family for me. They had something that belongs to me and I need to make sure that they aren't pulling the wool over my eyes regarding its whereabouts."

"All right. What's they're name and location?"

"Jarrett. They live in Nashville, Tennessee. I also need you to keep an eye on a Joe Seanoa, AJ Styles, and Dixie Carter. Find out everything they do. Also, try to find out everything you can about a professional wrestling company as well. It's known as TNA Impact. Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett run it. Do whatever you have to do and find out whatever you can. Schedules, locations, who wrestles who…everything. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Take on any help you need in order to be thorough. This is the most important thing I need from you…"

"Tell me."

"Keep an eye peeled for Ella Roberts. She's now known legally as Ella Seanoa. I heard she died this morning, but I'm not so sure. She of course won't go by her real names, but I will email you a recent photo of her. Hack into any airport's computer systems all over Tennessee. Tap into their security camera's footage as well. Be aware though, that she could and probably will be disguised. And if you find her, let me know immediately. Got all that?"

"Yes, sir."

"Don't disappoint me. I'll be in touch."

With that, Fournier disconnected the call, and glared at the recorded news footage he had played several times. He'd paused it on Ella's photo, and clenched his teeth angrily.

"She better be dead," he growled. "Because if she's not, I will find her. It's only a matter of time. And if I do find her alive she's going to wish she was dead when I get through with her."