December 15th, 2011

Stamford, Connecticut

WWE Headquarters

In the early hours of the morning, Seth Rollins limps into the WWE building following his "beatdown" yesterday during training with his fellow recruits. His left arm stuck to his side after having it dislocated. He makes his way to the elevator, greeting everyone on his way in. Before it closes, Alicia Fox sticks her hand in the door, and slides in.

"Hey, how ya doing? How's the arm?" Asked Alicia with a nervous smile.

"It hurts but its fine. These things happen, so don't blame yourself." He replied.

"I appreciate that but I should still apologize. So, so sorry. Anyway, if you need anything nice to wear for a special occasion, let me know and I can get something custom made for you."

"Thanks. New Years is coming up. Maybe you can get me something by then?"

"Sure."

Alicia gifts him a light tap on the shoulder before leaving the elevator. Seth goes up another two floors before getting off. He makes way towards Regal's office, catching Tyson Kidd nearby.

"Tyson, let me talk to you for a second."

Tyson looks over, and a smile comes across his face seeing Seth.

"Yo Seth, you want to talk to me?"

"Yeah. I heard from Gunn that you're really athletic. You also take a liking to crossfit. We should get together sometime and put in a workout." Offers Seth.

Tyson's face lit up with excitement.

"That would be awesome. I've actually heard a lot about your skills and I would love to workout with you."

"Cool man. Didn't think anyone knew who I was with the reaction I got yesterday. Take my number and we'll get together sometime."

They exchange numbers and Seth makes his way to Hunter's office. He knocks on the door but gets no answer. Seth opens the door, peeking in. Hunter surprises Seth from behind the door, putting him in a headlock. Seth struggles but his aching body won't let him fight back. Hunter drops him on the floor, adjusting his suit jacket as Seth gasps for air.

"Five seconds. Five seconds was all it took to kill you. You need to be better than that if you're going to take more high profile jobs." Says Hunter sitting at his desk.

"Are you insane? You know I'm hurt from yesterday."

"There are people out there that will kill anybody they please. Be prepared to die out there if that's an excuse." Explains Hunter.

Seth, holding his ribs, struggles to his feet and flops into a chair. Hunter pulls out glasses and a bottle of rum, pouring two shots. Seth accepts and they both knock down the shot.

"There you go kid. Take a beating and knock back a hard one. What are you doing here anyway? I gave you the day off." Asks Hunter.

"Just because I'm hurt doesn't mean I can't work."

"I like that. One of the reasons I picked you up. Unfortunately your boys are busy. Bevas and Butthead are still together for the weekend, and Roman is off taking care of work for me." Hunter tells him.

"Oh, so what can I do?"

"I want you to go see Christian in tech. There was a new update to our work phones and everyone needs them ASAP."
"I'll get right on that."

Seth gets up and leaves. Hunter gets a text from Roman, saying he's on the way to Philadelphia.

Dean sits on a bed in a jail cell, looking at the wall. Balling up fists and grinding his teeth. His knuckles are scraped and bloody, and his left eye is swollen. He turns his head, hearing footsteps outside of his cell. Dean sits completely still, as three men walk into his cell. All three seem to be there for a fight, with one carrying a shank. Dean takes a deep breath, still looking at the wall.

"All right bitches, lets do this."

Dean grabs the pillowcase next to him, filled with metal scraps and swings full force, knocking down the guy with the shank. The other two tackle Dean into the wall, pinning him against it. Dean knocks one guy back with an elbow, and the other punches Dean in the face. Dean bounces back and delivers a jumping forearm to the one who punched him. Dean continues to brawl, feeling the shank hit his back. A shockwave of pain flows through his body, and wakes up Dean from his dream.

"Good morning buddy." Greets Paige from the kitchen.

Dean sits up, realizing he's on her couch. The smell of pancakes and bacon drifting through the house.

"What am I doing here?" Asks Dean.

"You said I was annoying. So you drank my liquor and passed out on the floor. I was able to muster up enough strength to put you on the couch."

Paige walks in the living room with two plates. Wearing a onesie pajama, she sits next to Dean, giving him a plate.

"Eat up bud."

Paige starts to eat, but notices Dean isn't eating.

"Something wrong with my food?" She asks looking concerned.

Dean stares at the food, not moving a muscle. Flashes of his time in jail going through his head. He remembers getting in a fight over a ham sandwich. His jaw was broken and couldn't eat for two weeks. Now seeing a home cooked meal, after eating granola bars and snack cakes for the past six months in his cabin, struck a pleasant nerve.

"Thank you." He quietly utters before eating.

"Jeez, had me worried there for a sec. Thought maybe I was trying to poison you there." She said laughing and poking him.

You're very nice." Dean tells her.

"Well I try to be. Maybe too nice. I don't know. It's just nice to have a guy sleep over for once and be here when I wake up."

Dean starts laughing, spitting up a couple of eggs. Paige laughs as well, losing a pancake to the floor. They both look down at the pancake, look at each other and laugh again. They finish up breakfast and both head into the kitchen.

"I'll take care of the dishes." Offers Dean, rolling up his sleeves.

Paige gives him a pinch on the cheek and prepares some tea.

"Why thank you. I gotta say it's nice to hang out with someone from work for once. Everyone is either too busy or doesn't want to. They make that well known. Me, you and your partners need to get together for a night out sometime."

"I don't know about that. Friends aren't really my thing, and why hang out with us?" Dean asks while scrubbing a pan.

"What? You guys are awesome! Roman is a really nice family man who's caring. Seth likes to party from what he told me about California. And you need to get out more, cause you're a nut in a closed shell." She says pouring out tea.

Dean finishes the dishes and flicks water in Paige's face. She retaliates by plucking a sugar cube at him. Both start giggling at their goofy antics.

"Listen Dean, I know what Vince said, but you don't have to stay with me. I'll tell the old man you did your time."

Dean stands with his hands in his pockets looking unsure.

"Well, I aint got nothing better to do. I can stick around for a little longer. Might drink the rest of your booze. Lets go see a movie."

"Oh well, if you insist." Paige says sarcastically smiling.

She heads upstairs to get dressed while Dean looks at his reflection in the tea.

"Friends." He mutters to himself before taking a sip.

December 16th, 2011

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Center City

Roman sits inside a Starbucks, yawning while waiting for his order. It was 5:30 am and his flight landed two hours ago. Kevin Nash's contact was on the way, so Roman was running on caffeine until this was over. He decided to go city casual with a sweater and slacks, looking to blend in with the hipsters around the area. A barista calls his order, sending him to the counter. He grabs his coffee and sleepily turns around, bumping into a shorter man with wearing a suit.

"My bad man." Apologizes Roman.

"Not a problem old friend. In fact, let me buy you a Danish to go with that coffee." States the man.

"Nah I'm cool bro."

"No, I insist." Says the man, giving Roman a certain look.

Roman thinks for a second, but gets the message.

"You know what, I am a little hungry. Lack of sleep is making me delirious. Thanks buddy."

Roman goes back to his seat. The man joins him, bringing back a Danish.

"Wow. If you're going to be in this business, you need to be quicker than that. Anyway my name is Paul Heyman. It's not my real name, but that's what you'll refer to me as. I'm not here for conversation, just giving you what you need." He says quietly
Heyman slides over the Danish. Roman opens his mouth but Heyman cuts him off, talking loud again.

"I know you want to reminisce, but I need to hurry. I have people waiting on me. Good seeing you buddy."

Heyman walks off, leaving Roman unsure about what happened. He picks up the Danish to take a bite, noticing a microchip underneath. Roman sits still, looking around to spot anyone out of place before sliding the microchip in his pocket.

Roman heads back to his rental car. He gets in and digs through his bag, grabbing his work phone. Sliding in the microchip, he sits back as a few files pop up. A couple of documents and an audio file. Roman hits play on the audio while scrolling through the rest.

"Hello Mr. Reigns. I thank you for helping me solve this little problem. An employee of mine has stolen from me, which is why I'm seeking a third party for help. The employee in question, is a good friend of mine. His name is Joey Styles."

Roman sits the phone on the dashboard while continuing to listen. Checking his bag for his gun, taking out the individual pieces and putting them together.

"Joey Styles has taken an experimental drug from my lab where he works. He plans on meeting a buyer in South Philadelphia later today. My sources have identified the buyer. You have his photo and current location in the dossier. You'll kill the buyer and take his place. After you meet Joey Styles, make the transaction, verify the drug, and execute him. Bring the drug to the 21st and Ingle mini mart. Be quick and leave no witnesses."